This may in fact just be the Best Damn Vegan Chili you've ever tried.
Seriously, I'm not one to brag but.....this Chili recipe has placed TWICE now in various Chili Cookoffs. I'm not kidding, and it did not only come in 2nd place (against 9 other NON-Vegan entries mind you)...... it happened in TEXAS!
Now I lived in the great state of Texas for 5 years, and it was there that I discovered that CHILI was one of the 4 basic food groups. Meat, onions, peppers? Yeah, THAT chili.
And something else I learned, is that Texas chili is something you don't mess with. Noodles are definitely NOT allowed, let alone carrots or celery or any other weird ingredients.
Imagine my horror one day when I found a popular vegan chili recipe that included amongst other things, dates! I know right? Dates!?
So in order to preserve what is right and true in the world, allow me to introduce you to what Texas Style Vegan Chili is SUPPOSED to be.
Best Damn Vegan Chili Ever
"Chili concocted outside of Texas is usually a weak, apologetic imitation of the real thing. One of the first things I do when I get home to Texas is to have a bowl of red. There is simply nothing better."
Lyndon B. Johnson, 36th President of the United States
I know..... you're asking how you can have Texas Chili without the meat? Well, believe it or not, this recipe holds up just fine without any.
Because first and foremost, Texas chili is all about that spice. That magical blend of spices and peppers that gives chili that distinctive flavor we all know and love.
But If you do insist on some kind of chewy goodness in your chili, then it's about finding a substitute that works.
There are LOTS of meat alternatives, but just remember this chile will stand up on its own just fine....
Here are just a few ideas.....
- An extra can of beans (pinto, kidney, or black)
- Seitan
- Bulgur
- Portobella Mushrooms
- My Cauliflower Taco Crumbles
- Butler Soy Curls
- Any of the new burger crumble products in the store
Whatever you use, prepare your onions, bell peppers, and garlic first...
Once your veggies are nice and translucent, then add in your meat substitute and cook until heated through, mixing well.
Then add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, beans, and spices. You can adjust the amount of jalapeño to your own individual taste, basically making this as spicy as you wish.
The Masa Harina is a trick I learned to help thicken the chili. Nobody likes runny chili - right? Just sprinkle a little on top of the chili and then stir it in. It also adds just a hint of corn tamale flavor - perfect for Texas Chili.
After everything comes to a nice slow boil, turn down the heat and let it simmer as long as you can stand it. At least 15 minutes to half an hour - but the longer the better. And although I haven't tried it - you could probably just plop all these ingredients in a slow cooker for the day.
Talk about easy.
I never get tired of good Vegan Chili and THIS my friends, is as good as it gets....
Best Damn Vegan Chili Ever
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
What Texas Style Vegan Chili is SUPPOSED to be. Thick, rich. and spicy. This may in fact just be the best damn vegan chili you've ever had!
Ingredients
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 1 large green bell pepper, diced
- 3-4 cloves minced garlic
- 1 splash vegetable broth (for sautéing)
- 8oz your choice of meat substitutes (OR)
- ½ cup bulgur, uncooked
- 8oz can tomato sauce
- 15oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup refried beans
- ¼ cup McCormick's chili powder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 15oz can pinto beans (drained & rinsed))
- 15oz can kidney beans (not drained)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 2 Tbs pickled jalapeños (optional)
- 1-2 Tbs masa harina (optional as a thickener)
Instructions
- Chop onions and peppers into a large soup pot or dutch oven
- Saute in a little veggie broth until translucent and softened.
- Add minced garlic and saute for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant
- Add any kind of meat substitute (if using) or dry, uncooked bulgur and continue to stir for a few minutes until heated through
- Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, and remaining broth
- Add in spices and stir until mixed well
- Add all the beans and jalapeños and stir
- Sprinkle up to 1-2 Tbs of the Masa on top if you think it needs thickening. The masa adds a slight 'corn tortilla' or 'tamale' flavor to the chili.
- Give the chili one more good stir and bring it to a slow boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 to 30 minutes.
Notes
Like This Recipe? Tips & Donations Are Always Appreciated!
Original recipe posted November 28, 2014
Keywords: best damn vegan chili
Christina
Absolutely delicious!! I’ve tried making a lot of vegan chili recipes and this is bu far the best. Will definitely be making this again and again. Thank you!
Suzanne
Great Recipe! I've made it 3 times and I love it! I made it twice in the Instapot and this time Stove Top.
I have a few questions though:
1 Why do you use tomato paste in your instapot recipe, but not this one?
2. Why water for the instapot and vegetable broth for this one?
3. Why chipolte chile powder as an option for the instapot but not an option for this one?
4. And if I like jalapeno, should I use less chili powder so it's not too spicy? I made it and it's really good (I made the cauliflower crumbles every time), but I got it a little too spicy this time (I added both the chipolte and regular chili powder and the jalapeno). I like spice, but I overdid it, especially to share with others. The first time I made it on the instapot and followed the recipe (using some chipotle); this time I did stove top, but still kept the instapot additions (added chipotle & tomato paste).
5. When I use canned beans it's easier to follow the Stove Top...so should I remove the Chipolte powder, tomato paste and lessen the chili powder a little if I like to add the Jalapeno?
Sorry to bother you! Thanks!
★★★★★
Chuck Underwood
Because I'm one of those cooks who add things as I'm tasting it lol, and never makes the recipe the exact same way twice haha. I would always use the regular chili powder (full amount) and then add chipotle or jalapeños to get the spice level you like. Water or veg broth is fine but veg broth adds sodium if you need it. Same with tomato sauce vs paste....paste is more concentrated so it all depends on how tomato(y) you like your chili.
Suzanne
Great...Thank you! It's a great vegan chili recipe! We love it!
★★★★★
Char
Best vegan chili I’ve tried
Lori
Does your chili recipe assume that the chili powder has sodium in it? I noticed that most of the commercially available mixes contain salt.
★★★★★
Sonya J
Hey Chuck.
Which meat substitute did you use when you entered this in the cook-offs?
Chuck Underwood
I'm not the one who entered it....other people have
DCMason
I wanted a beanless chili and I incorporated the changes from your Instant Pot recipe. I made the cauliflower crumbles and I replaced the beans with equivalent weight of mushrooms, 1/2 baby bellas and 1/2 white mushrooms. I also sauteed the vegetables (not including the mushrooms and crumbles) in 3 oz of EVOO, included an jalapeno with the bell peppers (seeded), then I fried the tomato paste with the veggies and oil until it changed color. I subbed in marjoram in place of oregano (wife isn't a fan of oregano), used smoked paprika, fire roasted tomatoes, and included a tsp of a turkish chile in place of the optional chipotle, and layered in some white miso paste and aminos for a little meaty flavor. It was amazing and my wife even said she tasted beans! Sounds like a lot of changes, but really it's your recipe at the heart. Thanks!
★★★★★
Sarah B
Easily my favorite vegan chili recipe on the internet! Ive made this for several years, and make it at least a few times per month and exactly as written, (except I add fresh jalapeños).
I was initially skeptical about the 1/4 cup of Chili powder but it’s perfect 🙂
Delicious!!
Thanks Chuck!! 🤗
★★★★★
Linda Johnson
Seriously, the best chili I have ever had, vegan or not!!!! I can't believe it hasn't won 1st place in every contest it has been in!
★★★★★
HJ
Do you recommend a specific type or brand of refried beans for this recipe?
Andrew Laferriere
I made this like 30 times, as an athlete its recipes like that that allow me to each what I used to without compromising taste or health. Chuck you have a huge fan in Vermont where this also won a cookoff so thank you.
★★★★★
Sandy
When I had my first spoon I thought "Okay... it's a chili. Nothing really special about it..." - but then I had this combined flavour explosion in my mouth and was like "Wow, that's the best damn vegan chili I ever tried!" So thank you for sharing your recipe. It's fantastic! Greetings from Germany... ~Sandy
★★★★★
Jay
Looks great!
★★★★★
Daniel Barron
I love this chili! I did not have McCormick's or any "chili powder" other than pure ground ancho chili, so I looked up McCormick's chili powder recipe online. The McCormick's website doesn't actually give the quantities directly, but they do say that their chili powder includes ground chilis, oregano, cumin, garlic powder and salt. Reading further, there was a Q&A in which someone asks, "If I don't have chili powder on hand, what can I use to substitute?" Their answer is exactly what I was looking for:
"Just mix equal parts oregano leaves, paprika, garlic powder and ground cumin. Throw in a dash of ground chipotle pepper, if you have it, to lend a smoky edge. Or add ground red pepper, also called cayenne, if you’d like a little heat. You can substitute this blend for chili powder in equal measure and tailor the flavor to suit your own taste." Since I like spicy food generally, instead using extra paprika as part of my chili powder sub, I decided to use 2 Tbs of the ancho ground chili I had on hand, and then upped the oregano, cumin and garlic powder by 2 tsp each, to make up for the missing 1/4 cup of McCormick's. I also subbed a couple Tbs of minced chipotle in adobe sauce for the chipotle powder, since that's what I had. Finally, I had smoked paprika and used it instead of regular. I had a half package of Beyond Beef Crumbles in the freezer (about 5 oz) and used that for the meat sub. It came out fabulous, and will def make this again.
Hank
Thank you Chuck! This is by far the BEST vegan chili recipe ever! Absolutely perfect recipe just as it is written. I have made this at least 50 times and it always tastes excellent.
I have even portioned the completed chili out and dehydrated it for camping and it rehydrates great. A thousand times tastier than the store bought dehydrated food.
★★★★★
Kim M
Thank you Chuck for the great chili recipe! Next time I make it though, I’m skipping the chipotle chili powder. I tapped the 2x button to double the amounts and doubled the chipotle chili powder - whoa! Big mistake! Way way too hot! Now I have a huge pot of chili that I can hardly stand due to the spiciness. I’m so sad. I can taste the potential of how delicious it would be then the heat kicks in. Next time no chipotle chili powder. I think the regular chili powder & the smoked paprika (I didn’t have regular paprika) will be spicy enough.
Melinda
I just burned my tongue twice trying to eat it before it cools down!!! Amazing recipe. I used ancho chili powder and 2 cans smoked diced tomatoes because I didn't have sauce. I added mushrooms, since I love them and the whole delicious pot is for me anyway!
★★★★★
Maria
Is it possible to make this in the slow cooker? Making it for a party and don't want to be cooking while my guests are here. Thanks
Chuck Underwood
I think so - no reason why it shouldn't.
Susan Haines
Brand new vegan's recipes are the best!!!!!
Dianne
Just tried this recipe for the first time, and I have to day, it's aptly named "Best damn vegan chili"! I've been a vegetarian for many years and have had other vegan chili recipes, but this one is IT. I'm not a fan of really hot food, so was apprehensive about the 1/4 cup chili powder but I like to follow a recipe exactly the first time and then make modifications to suit my taste if necessary later. But it wasn't too hot at all - I would call it "well seasoned." And using the canned refried beans to thicken the recipe was pure genius.
By the way, I used generic store brand chili powder as that's what I had. It's a bit cheaper than the name brands, and it worked just fine.
This is definitely going to have a regular place in my recipe rotation. Thanks, Chuck.
★★★★★
David Faris
Just want you to know that I have in fact plopped all of these ingredients in a slow cooker on low for 6 hours and it rocks.
★★★★★
Dave
This chili is amazing. Would have never known it was vegan if I had not cooked it myself. I made it with Impossible Beef and it had a very rich, hearty texture and delicious chili flavor. Great recipe!!
★★★★★
Eli
Haven't tried the recipe yet, but going to make it for dinner tonight.
What I wanted to suggest was, you should update the recipe to say chili powder spice mix, or chili powder blend, because those of us who don't live in the US and can't find or don't have "McCormick" brand, might end up using actual chili powder, which is to say, ground up dried hot chilis.
If I hadn't read all of the comments, I wouldn't have realized there was a difference, and may have made the same mistake.
For those who don't live in the US, you can find American style chili spice blend recipes online. Minimalist Baker has a "chili powder" recipe that looks rather good, and there are many other simpler ones online.
MaryAnne C-G
Thanks Chuck, I did make your chili and it was great! My husband loved it too. One comment - I used a small white sweet potato and about 1/4 cup of pure pumpkin that I had leftover to thicken the chili. Worked very well.
★★★★★
Laurie
Would it be a super bummer to make this with roasted bell peppers that I roast myself in an air fryer? I have an autoimmune reaction to bell pepper skins, which I peel off when I roast them. What do you think? The texture would be different, but the flavor would still be there maybe?
Sam
WOW I just made this for dinner and it is REALLY good. I've been vegan/vegetarian on and off for the past twelve years and great recipes like this make it a lot easier for me to stick with a fully plant based diet. Thank you for sharing!
★★★★★
Elizabeth
Hi there, this looks great; I'm excited to try it as the subzero temperatures set in! Will regular flour work to thicken it up at the end?
Chuck Underwood
It might be thick enough without it - I like Masa because it adds corn flavor.
Sandy
i just made this Chuck and im eating it now. this is absolutely the best chili ive ever had. thank you for sharing your recipe.
★★★★★
Wendy Cliggott
This was SO delicious! My tweaks: I added in a zucchini that I needed to use up as well as frozen corn. I skipped the cauliflower and seitan but used a good amount of chopped up mushrooms and an extra can of beans. I skipped the chipotle chili powder but added in a dash of cayenne. Because I did not have the Masa Tamale Flour, I used rice flour and it thickened beautifully. Thank you for this wonderful recipe.
★★★★★
Steven Gaulke
I've made a lot of vegan chili, and this is - by far - the best! 1/4 cup chili powder seems like a lot, but it is so good. I use seitan for the meat, and chop it into small chunks. I've also used bulgar wheat. Thanks Chuck and I can't wait to try your cauliflower tacos!
Emma Lancaster
Great recipe! Will definitely make this again!
★★★★★
BRADFORD MERRITT
Must confess I am a hard-core Tx chili, beef eater, and was somewhat skeptical at first. Have a vegan niece who I sometimes cook for encouraged me to try this. Heated it just a bit, but otherwise as written. She was thrilled! Thank you. I, and my other carnivore family members, even enjoyed the leftovers without adding meat! Very nice. I’ll have to work through your site for other ideas. Thanks again
Denise
Not sure how this recipe only has 15 votes for five stars? There should be at least one hundred based on all the positive feedback! Been plant based for eighteen months and needed a new chili recipe to freshen up our fall and winter menu rotation. This one struck me because of the refried beans which I thought was genius. Wow. The whole family raved. My fifteen year old son, who hates chili, finished his bowl. Used a package of Trader Joe meat crumbled and served with Loving it Vegan's cornbread, which was also a winner, but look forward to making it with bulgur or quinoa sometime,
★★★★★
Dominique Watts
Making this for the second time in a month, so that should explain what i think about it. This will be a new staple to share with omnivore folks in my circle. thank you for sharing this recipe with the world, so we can help folks see that vegan food can be delicious!
★★★★★
Alexis Miears
This is the best damn chili recipe ever, using it again this year. Thank you!
★★★★★
CJ
Have 5 adult kids and 2 are vegans. Like VEGANS. They read every package to be sure I get it right. Problem is the other 3 kids plus Hubster are meat eaters. Like CARNIVORES. So I'm always looking for recipes where the flesh rippers are faked out. So made this Saturday, served it Sunday - everyone (including myself) was amazed. I did add the masa because we like it thick. I also used tri-color quinoa for the meat substitute which gives it that ground beef texture. Had to hide a portion to take for my lunch to work... LOL And as for the chili powder I bought brand new packages of all spice just for this recipe because I wanted the freshest tastes. I'm giving this recipe 10 stars and definitely want a repeat performance.
★★★★★
Lisa Kaemmerlen
Chuck - as the colder nights come around, the first dish I think of making is always your chili recipe! It is the best chili I've ever had. If anyone is looking to impress their non-plant based friends, this should be your go to recipe. I use the bulgur wheat which is a great texture in the chili. The heat level of this chili is awesome.
Mikael
I was exited to make this chili after reading all positive comments, unfortunately it's kinda bland even though it's been in the fridge for 24 hours as well 🙁 Now I don't believe all other people are wrong, I think I'm doing something wrong. Most chili's I tried making become kind of bland.
I followed the recipe (I cut down the chili pretty much, and think it's still hot) and cooked everything together for 15min. Tasted bland so I cooked for additional 25-30min and put it in the fridge, hoping it would be better next day. But still the same.
Any advice what I might be doing wrong? I want to have that awesome chili everybody else is talking about.. Thanks
Chuck Underwood
All I can say - is to follow the recipe as written. I use regular, store-bought, McCormick Chili Powder - and it is not hot to me - at all. Use the entire 1/4 cup.
MJB
You have control of flavor. Do you have a non vegan recipe you liked? If so, simply omit animal products. Chili is all about the spices!
Rachel
My go to chili recipe! My husband and I love it and now make sure to buy bulk chili powder so we always have enough on hand!
★★★★★
Sandylynn
This is the best vegan chili I have ever eaten! I could not tell it from meat chili. This makes being vegan so much easier for me. My husband won't eat vegan. However he will eat this because he doesn't know it is vegan. I love your recipes because they are easy and taste good.
★★★★★
Jenny Coyle
I've made this recipe about 10 times now. I used Beyond Meat and season it with chili powder, oregano, cumin, and salt when I brown it. It's an AMAZING recipe. And now, while sheltering in place, I'm making a big batch and freezing some. Thank you for this GREAT recipe!
Claudette
I have a question can I use the Bulgar and Cauliflower taco crumbles together or is that overkill?
Chuck Underwood
It sounds a bit much for me - but if you like it - hey! Why not?
Elisa Neal
😀 OMG this RECIPE!!!!!! 😀 First of all, I used Quorn Meatless Grounds for my substitute and MAN, this recipe did NOT disappoint! It's fresh, hearty, and it FEELS healthy when you eat it. Leaves a happy feeling in me. ^_^
I just entered this recipe in a chili cook-off......................sadly I lost to a guy who used BEEF MIXED WITH SAUSAGE..........I mean, lol, hard to compete with THAT when you have a bunch of red-blooded hungry men waiting for chili lol. Also.....his chili was more like a giant bite of MEAT and EXTRA MEAT. I mean....like NO BEANS or veges....sad really. But southerners like their sausages......lol XD
Overall, I will NEVER make another chili that is not THIS CHILI! It's the best, and every other chili should strive to become this!
My advice would be to slow cook it on low overnight or for 8 hours like I did for the contest. It really blends the spices well 🙂
★★★★★
Elisa neal
BTW, I DID come in second place against all the meat chilis 😀
Jamie
If you use the cauliflower taco "meat" for your meat substitute, do you season the meat for tacos before adding?
Chuck Underwood
I use the soy sauce - that's it.
Jamie
Do you bake it before adding to chili? Entering work competition on Monday and want to "fool" the carnivores
Lacy
Great base recipe! I added Beyond crumbles and a few other things and it turned out fantastic.
★★★★★
Janice Nelson
Not wanting to use pickled jalapeños, do you think I could substitute a few tablespoons of fresh? Saute it with the onions and peppers or add it later?
This looks absolutely amazing! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!
Chuck Underwood
They're optional, but sure if you want fresh, softening along with the onions is a great idea.
Marie Roberts
Like everyone else is saying, this recipe is 10+!! Thank you.
My hubby loved it, says it's the best I've ever made 🙂
★★★★★
Ivan
Do you think corn flour from Lidl would work just as well as Masa Harina for thickening?
Masa Harina is a bit difficult to find in South London.
Thanks.
Heidi
It's in the stove now and sooo spicy! The issue is the chili powder. There is chilI powder and there is chilE powder. Both very different. I have Chile molido which I see comes from hatch chiles. I am hoping to save it with added veggies, spinach and maybe a little sweetener. I cut back on both the black pepper and chipotle and did not add the pickled jalapenos. I used fire roasted canned tomatoes.
Shari T
This looks great, and all these comments have convinced me to give it a go. Thanks for posting!
Leslie
The only chili recipe I use! I'm omni and make this for my veggie girlfriend. She keeps asking me to make this every week, sometimes twice! I'd say I'm chili'ed out, but this recipe is so spot on that I'm not even mad about it lol
This cold Texas night is literally probably the 20th time I've made this thus far. Yum and THANK YOU!
★★★★★
Kerry
Speechless!!! This is so great! Even my none WFPB peeps went back for thirds!
Threw it all in a crockpot this morning with some lentils, was perfect! Especially on a cold evening!
Ev
This is a wonderful recipe! Love the flavor 🙂 I didn't use as much chili powder as was called for, but tasted great to me 🙂 I've made it 3 times in the last couple of weeks, this last time, used wild rice with the beans, and oh my! Is it is so good that way!! Am getting ready to make another batch tonight 🙂 thank you for the awesome recipe! Ev
Kellie
Ok - I have to say right off the bat that I am not a huge fan of chili but I wanted to make something that non plant based eaters would eat. This was AWESOME! I did not make mine quite as hot as yours, but it was good. Even my husband and approved and he is my biggest critic.
Thanks!
★★★★★
Christina
Do you have nutrition information for this chili?
Chuck Underwood
No
Linda
Love this recipe Chuck! It’s got a good kick and I love that! I used bulgar and thought it added a nice texture. I’ll be making this again!
★★★★★
Yvonne
I am going to make this tonight, I went out and got all the ingredients but can't find the fire roasted tomatoes? What could I use instead? And with Tomato sauce, do you mean passata? Let me know, and I can't wait for dinner tonight!!
Eric Valdivia
First time making this recipe and I immediately doubled it. A double batch was gone in a day. This is amazing chili, regardless of it being vegan.. i’m Making another batch today because I didn’t get enough. I’ll try to hide this one.
★★★★★
Teresa
Hi There — quick question — While my husband and I would tolerate spicy chili, our son will not. What do you recommend I decrease the chili powder to in order to still have flavor, but not be too spicy, so our whole family could enjoy this? Have you ever experimented with the heat? Any recommendations?
Chuck Underwood
You can adjust the amounts to your own taste. Personally, it is not hot to me, not one bit. I use McCormick's Chili Powder, available in any Walmart.
Not even a vegeterian
I don’t know what possessed me to look up a vegeterian Chili recipe, much less vegan. My husband and I love spicy chili and we love beef. But one other thing I love is vegetables and I love riced cauliflower. So I made this with the riced cauliflower and we both agreed that this was the best chili I have ever made. We froze the left overs and then ate it over rice. You really have me thinking here. Just saying....
★★★★★
Shari T
I think that much of what we enjoy about food is the way it's seasoned...beans [among other plant foods] have a very satiating quality and take on flavor well. I haven't tried this recipe yet, so your recommendation as a 'not vegetarian' is huge : )
Richere levert
Can this chili be frozen?
Chuck Underwood
Sure thing!
Sarah
Delicious! I needed a vegan chili option for a family member at a family gathering. Came across this recipe and decided to try it. It was a huge hit! Many people told me it was their favorite chili out of four, including two with meat. I added "meat crumbles" to it, but I don't think they would have been needed. I was looking to keep it mild, so I left out the jalapenos and chipotle chili powder, but my husband the resident flavor guru added extra oregano, extra cumin and also extra (Hot Hungarian) paprika so I think that last addition gave it a little more heat than I was expecting. But thanks for the great recipe! It was not only delicious, but quick and simple (win-win-win!). I would definitely make it again, even as a non-vegan.
★★★★★
BEEBE CLARK
OMG this chili is fantastic ?? it is now my new favorite?❤️ thanks so much chuck of Brand new vegan???YUMmm ? I used 1 tablespoon of the jalapeño slices and 1 tablespoon of the juice and it is perfect ? with heat not too much and 1 tablespoon of the corn Masa flour to thicken a bit. The bulgar is a great texture addition ???? thanks again Chuck Underwood ?Oh I cooked in my instantPot -manual setting 20 min, turned off and let set 10 min ..steam was gone and opened to this delicious chili!
Maura Klondar
Hey! Question, do you think I could make this chili using lentils as a replacement for the Kidney Beans & Pinto Beans? I am not a fan of those types of beans but this chili recipe looks amazing! Please let me know your thoughts on how many cups of dried lentils to use.
Thanks so much!
Rick Critchlow
This vegan chili will fool any meat lover. I have tried many vegan chillis and this recipe is by far the best.
★★★★★
Tess
This is definitely the best! I made this last night. I made the cauliflower taco 'meat' - I had to add separately as my partner hates cauliflower and mushrooms. I added some of the left over walnuts, replace the cauliflower for carrots and celery. the carrots where done in the food processor. Such a lovely dish that will be so versatile. so glad I tried this. Thank you so much for sharing. .
★★★★★
Mimi Baker
Mr. Underwood you genius! I know this recipe is older, but I only discovered it a month ago. So I’m 10 months into veganism, and in New England the crisp Fall is upon us. We’re also chili snobs if you will, which might be weird to some (coming from a Yankee), but we have chili cook offs (we have a well known one here in NH called Beer & Chili Festival) the same as anyone else. My hubby joined me in the vegan lifestyle, so to make sure he knows he isn’t missing out on anything from our previous meat filled life - I went on a serious search for a damn good chili recipe — and here you are! I said to myself “if a Texan considers this award winning, it really must be that damn good”. I’ve made this 4 times in the last 4 weeks. Yes! Once per week my husband and I kept wanting this deliciousness. To go further I made my parents and sister, and her clan of husband and 2 toddler boys, this amazing recipe. All 5 star rave reviews! Heck they all asked for the recipe! And my folks aren’t even fully vegan yet (they’re on that train now.). It’s really important to me that my loved ones learn and experience how great vegan recipes can be— this inspires people to keep going or even start as most are afraid of missing out (FOMO). That’s the trick to helping people see that you don’t have to deprive yourself on veganism. There’s a vegan version of everything, and most of it is just as good, if not some - better! This recipe falls into that category of “better than meat chili”. This is coming from someone whose husband and parents had a hard time believing some vegan foods are better than non vegan - and they LOVE this recipe!. They’re all obsessed with this chili. Now...I know you said 1/4 cup of chili powder but we don’t like too much heat. I made it to a T the first time as your recipe states. It was awesome, but I preferred it with a little less chili powder. So those who ar wondering — yes, using that much really is the best way, but start with using say...1 tablespoon less than the recipe calls for if you’re nervous to use that much. With this recipe you really have to play with it a bit to get it the way you prefer but try it at least once as is. Oh and don’t make the mistake of not using enough, because it really is needed (makes all the good difference). I also skipped the chipotle part, and only stuck with the bulgur as my meat substitute- so far it’s proven the best way. I do plan to try a meat substitute out of curiosity, maybe even red lentils, or grounding up some Beyond Burger meat. The only thing is, the recipe as is doesn’t need much changing. It’s really perfect the way it is. So don’t make the mistake of changing ingredients drastically. There’s a reason this has such rave reviews. It fed 4 large bowls the way I made it (large I mean like 3 cups) so making more is recommended if you want to feed more than 4 hungry people. Thank you Sir! I’m a big fan and my family thanks you kindly. It’s so easy, most of us even have most of the ingredients. Love and appreciation from your friend in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
★★★★★
JR
Thank you so much for this recipe. I made this today and it’s wonderful. We are having a chili potluck at work and I work with a lot of vegetarians and vegans. Even though I’m not vegan myself I wanted to make something everyone could enjoy. My only mistake was I grabbed a can of chipotle rotel instead of fire roasted rotel and didn’t know until after I poured it in. It still came out wonderful even with that extra smokey flavor. My vegan friend loved it but suggested maybe adding a little vegan Worcestershire to give it some depth behind the spices. I think it was fine the way it is but do you suggest anything for a little more depth in taste?
Rachel
Hi there! Love this recipe but am confused on serving size. Because we get maybe about 8 servings of chili out of this recipe????
★★★★★
Chuck Underwood
That's why I hate listing the number of servings. Everybody is different. My 1 serving might be 2 to you.
Sara
I’m exited to make this for the first time and enter it into a friend’s yearly chili cook off - secretly entering as vegan of course 🙂
Have you ever doubled the recipe in your Instant Pot? I feel like I need to make a huge batch but I wasn’t sure if doubling the recipe would go past that ‘do not fill past here’ line. Thanks in advanced!
Chuck Underwood
It might be a bit much for my little 6qt to double the recipe. An 8qt IP? Maybe.
Hannah
I just cooked up a pot of this delicious chili, and my carnivore friend immediately packed some up to take to work for his lunch. It’s wonderful, exactly as written. Thank you!!
★★★★★
Sal
I love this recipe. I have made it multiple times and people really like it.
The way I love to make it is using diced jackfruit as meat. Some friends even thought it was beef!!! I totally recommend using jackfruit! I also leave it soaking for pretty long after it has come to a boil and cooked for a while, Ideally I leave it soaking in the pot overnight and it just makes it a lot more intense so I definitely recommend doing that too.
Also if it is too spicy just add some diced potato, they kind of neutralise it and even if they don’t belong in the recipe they add a nice taste in my opinion.
Never making another Chili recipe again 😉
★★★★★
Sandie
No way, I used 1/4 cup organic chillie powder and unbelievably hot, had to add to different batches, to try and dilute! Black rice, more beans, kale, spiralising zucchini or kumera! Omg so hot still so NEVER PUT IN THE 1/4?cup chillie powder as stated!! Crazy
Chuck Underwood
What kind of Chili Powder did you use? I use regular grocery store McCormick's Chile Powder and it is not hot at all.
Irene
I can’t get chili powder in Mexico. How do you suggest I make my own with what proportions of spices? Thx!
Chuck Underwood
I'd google chili powder recipes
TINA
Chilli powder is a blend of ingredients. It is not the same a powdered chillies for example. If I recall chipotle chili powder is way hotter than chilli pepper (powder)
Jules
Hi Tina
Where do you live and what kind of chili powder did you use? I am a Canadian living in the UK, so I am aware that Chile powders commonly sold in US and Canadian supermarkets are a blend of spices. Here in the UK, and I'm sure the rest of Europe, chile powders are a single dried Chili or Chilli, ground to a oowder.
I've never been able to buy or find "American style" Chile powder here, unless you go online to a specialist importer.
Most commercial Chile powder blend have a one part ground chili (often Cayenne) to other spices and herbs like cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic powder, salt etc. Whatever makes up their signature blend.
They are generally NOT very hot, which is why you can use Tablespoons or 1/4 cup measurements instead of teaspoons!
Hope that helps 🙂
Victoria
This is a keeper. I made this today and my husband and I just loved it. This recipe is going in the recipe file for do overs.
★★★★★
Sharon
OMG absolutely awesome ..... hubby and I made it together and will share the consequences later haha loved it.
Becky
Really good. Will cut spice down a little next time though. It's very spicy.
★★★★★
Gina
I'd always considered my chili recipe (with meat) the absolute best, but somehow it just didn't translate to vegan so well ... Yours tastes so close (I left out the chipotle - allergic to it ) and I think it's the 1/4 cup chili powder, retried beans, and masa corn flour. I'm so happy to find my new chili recipe! And my husband agreed that it's by far the best vegan chili ever!!!
★★★★★
JP
So close! Too much tomato, not enough heat for me. good none the less. Texan, vegetarian and multiple chili cook-off winner including CASI events. Try adding white pepper, cayenne and 1 tsp cumin just before you add the masa. Also 1/2 - 1 tsp Mexican oregano with the initial spice mix.
★★★★
JP
FYI we're making chili beans, not chili. No beans allowed in Texas style chili.
Vegan_In_Virginia
I'm trying to figure out how much exactly this cooks...I'm making it for work tomorrow and wondering if I need to double bactch it?!?! What size crock pot would this go in??
Chuck Underwood
It makes a lot. It could easily feed a family of 4 with leftovers for a day or two.
Eric
This chili is awesome! I made a batch and also added a whole bag of chopped frozen spinach and it is now my very cold weather comfort food.
Thanks Chuck!
★★★★★
Rachel
Oh my goodness!!!
I feel like I have found my new favorite meal! I'm a born and bred Texan, so chili is nearly a religion. This recipe is my new testament!
Fyi. I included the whole can of refried beans and left of the oregano since I didn't have any.
Now some rice, and life is good!
★★★★★
Buffy
This is my new go-to vegan chili recipe. While I am not vegan, we have family members who are and they LOVED it. Will be making this on a regular basis. I think that the harina flour and refried beans put it over the top. Thank you!
★★★★★
Otilija
Besides cooking the onions first, would cooking the chili in a crockpot be ok? This looks delish!
Chuck Underwood
Lots of people have done it, so yeah - no problem.
Otilija
Thank you
Janice
Absolutely delicious!
★★★★★
Candy Drake
This is truly an excellent chili! I made it for my family last weekend and it was so good that I decided to make it again for my work chili cook off and won 2nd place out of 12 other chilis. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Winston SirLouis
Hopelessly addicted to this chili - thanks so much!
Dan Hall
Our family tried your chili last night, And have to admit that it is the best WFPB chili we have had. Thanks for sharing. Well Done Sir.
Susi
There is a note on your new InstaPot recipe with regard to cauliflower crumble recipe, only to use soy sauce to spice, nothing else; do I prepare the recipe otherwise the same, with mushrooms and walnuts, roast, and then add to my chili recipe when required? Please advise. I am taking guidance from both your Best Damn Chili recipes, using stovetop for mine. Also, will this recipe still be OK for guests whp prefer meals less spicy? Thank you! 🙂
Jennifer Berkowitz
This chili is delicious but it looks like it will serve about 6 ppl, NOT 16. I am making it for a big group for Halloween tonight, so am a bit worried....
Marsha
I have everything but kidney beans. Could I sub black beans? Would it be just as tasty?
Chuck Underwood
I bet it would - I just happen to love Kidney Beans.
David
Made this last night. I used Morningstar Meal Starter for the meat substitute. It is fantastic! I think next time I might try black beans instead of Morningstar to see if I can minimize the processed foods. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Ms. Myrrh
Is there something I can use to sub for the cumin? My husband is allergic to it.
Chuck Underwood
Coriander, Chipotle, or maybe Caraway Seeds
Ann-Margaret Morrissey
Can't wait to try this out! Sounds yummy!
Tammy Travis
I am not a fan of the fake meats. I just found your taco meat recipe and it sounds fantastic. I was wondering how this may work out in your chili?
Chuck Underwood
I bet it would be really good. Give it a try and let me know!
Lori Hopkins
I made this yesterday for the boyfriend. It was a hit, but too spicy for us lightweights. I used one poblano chili, and then all that chili powder. Wow. Loved it, but I'm going to halve the spices next time. Thx, Chuckס
EmiRey
Probably take out the chili, they would affect the spice more than the powder. 🙂
Chuck Underwood
Glad you liked it! Yeah a Poblano would spice it up a tad bit 🙂 I like to use the "tame" Jalapeños Slices you get in the jar. Just a handful and maybe a little juice....perfect.
Lori Hopkins
Boyfriend didn't want to buy the jarred stuff. So we tried the poblano. Thanks.
MJB
Always start with less spice and more as needed/desired. Alternatively, you could add more beans, tomatoes, and sauce and have a bunch to freeze!
Rick Coker
I made this today, and won a third place trophy in a neighborhood chili cook off, and there were nine other recipes, only two of them were vegan! And this is Texas! Very good!
Chuck Underwood
AWESOME! I knew this would be award winning chili one day! So happy you won and thanks so much for sharing! Good job!
tg3
I love this. 🙂 Congratulations!
Ellen Feder
Hi Chuck, I'm a brand new vegan and I'm going to make this today. Going to the market. I will let you know how it turns out.
Shellie .
This sounds great. I can't wait to try it. Any thoughts of cooking it in an Instant Pot?
I Vicki thompson
If I use your cauliflower rice recipe, do I use all the spices? Or how do I make it if I put that in the chili
Chuck Underwood
I usually just do the soy sauce for the crumbles, and no other spices when I add it to chili.
Maor B.
Unfortunaltely, refried beans are not sold in stores in my country. Also, i am not particularly familiar with local Texas foods. Are the refried beans a must-have in the dish? What can I do, considering I do not have ready-made refried beans? Thanks in advance.
Chuck Underwood
The refried beans are used as a thickener. So you could always use a few tablespoons of the Masa Harina Flour like I mentioned in the recipe. Or corn starch. Or you could take some pinto beans and mash them - which is all refried beans are anyway.....
Maor B.
Thanks for the speedy reply. If I do use Masa Harina to replace the refried beans, should I add more than mentioned in the recipe?
Chuck Underwood
I'd use the amount specified in the recipe and check thickness after. The Masa can add a corn tamale like flavor - so not too much.
Michele Clutter
I live in Costa Rica and we don't have a lot of the convenience vegan foods you can get in the states, but I DID pick up, while on a trip to Florida, a few boxes of Pacific Foods Seitan. I now wished I'd picked up cases of it! It worked so well in this recipe and let me tell you, my husband, who has been so good about eating some of the less spectacular creations I have come up with, just beamed ear to ear after tasting this chili.
Cornelius is a nice city. I was born and raised in Portland and my Gram had a farm on Deer Island. I miss Oregon.
EDHILL63 .
watch a you tube video on making seitan. It is easy to make ( my first time was not to good but still ok). you can buy the gluten flour online. I am a fool in the kitchen and have a hard time with confusing dishes but this is pretty easy.
Thom Melodie Barton
Chuck, have you tried this recipe with soy curls? I have them on hand but do not have seitan.
Michele Clutter
Try Pacific Foods brand Seitan. It is wonderful in this recipe.
Sandy Stadelmann
We are having our neighborhood annual chili cook-off in May. This is going to be my entry in the "other than meat" category. I'll let you know how I do. I love your recipes!
Chuck Underwood
Oh heck yeah! I'd love to put "Award Winning" in front of this!
Kate Mc
I'm making this tonight but currently cooking beans that soaked over night...sooo not quite the same. Hopefully it turns out just as tasty though!
tg3
It should be the same, just drain your cooked beans and you're good to go.
kdmi
Just wanted to let you know I made this chili tonite after a few attempts using other chili recipes. Man, this is a home run! Thank you so much! I'm a fairly brand new vegan and looking thru your recipes I couldn't help but want to print out a bunch to try. It's like I have your cookbook at the ready -- have you made plans to publish one? I'd buy it even though I've got all my print outs! I know you've done some southern style cooking but also that you're from Indiana -- so i spotted midwestern style offerings as well, and that's the type of foo i grew up with in Michigan. Hope all is well in your world -- thanks for bringing great taste to mine...can't wait to try your other recipes:-)
Deb Kinvig
Going to try this although not sure I will be able to find the Masa Harina corn flour... Thanks !
Cyndi Birthman Moraitis
I ordered mine online. I don't like to spend time driving around... 😉
kd12
i bought masa harina at our local kroger's, fyi
Pamela Skinberg
I soaked a corn tortilla in hot water then blitzed it. Worked a charm!
weirdlywired
This was AWESOME and the hubby claimed this as his favorite vegan meal with meat subs that we've tried since we went vegan (4 weeks ago)!!! I only used 3T chili powder and used some ancho chili paste in place of the chipotle seasoning. I did add a can of green chilies and it was thick enough that I didn't add the re-fried beans. I spent most of today looking at your recipes and am looking forward to trying many more.
We are brand new vegans, and we will be back for more!
Publius Huldah
Well, I make my chilli out of habeneros (which I grow myself), dried beans, MEAT, and tomatoes from my garden which I froze, canned, or dried. Lots of habeneros. After a while, you build up a tolerance to the heat - you can chop them without gloves. And why would you eat that washed wheat stuff when you can have MEAT instead?
Chuck Underwood
Maybe - because - this is a VEGAN website?
Publius Huldah
oops! My bad. but I use lots of peppers, tomatoes, beans, and onions.
Melanie
smh
Brittany
Why eat mutilated animal flesh produced by factory farming and in mass which is causing so much harm to our climate and our people when you can just...not? Why come to a vegan blog and ask this? Do some research - you'll find the answer to your question.
nancy
yep I agree...just watched The Game Changers and am now a vegan !
Valerie
This is delicious! Used a little lime to bring down the spiciness a tad. (NJ here, lol). I love these flavors so thank you Chuck!
★★★★★
washbear
This chili is soooo good! I had it tonight with your cornbread recipe. It was such a satisfying meal-- thank you!!! (By the way, I cooked the chili in the Instant Pot, on the manual high pressure cooking setting for 10 minutes... turned out great!)
Chuck Underwood
Love the comments! Glad you enjoyed it. I keep hearing too many good things about these Instant Pots…..may have to look into one 🙂
Nancy A. Speed
Hey Chuck -- We've taken past recipes from you, and cooked them in an electric pressure cooker. It's easy, tastes wonderful, and the time spent is minimal. We like using dry beans, peas, and other legumes instead of canned foods. Cheaper for those of us on limited funds. This recipe for chili sounds FanDamnTastic -- on our list of things to try, and try soon!! The cold weather is great for making a person want to cook soothing foods. Many Thanks!
diane
Washbear....did u also use the canned beans like chuck did and cook them in the ip for 10 minutes. Did u do a NPR? Thanks
washbear
Yes, I used the canned beans and cooked them in the Instant Pot on the manual pressure setting for 10 minutes. What's NPR? No pressure release? I released the valve as soon as it was done.
Pamela Hawkins
NPR means natural pressure release. You turn off the IP and let the pressure release on it's own, takes about 20 mins unless the pot is very full. Glad to know this recipe works well in the IP as that is my preferred method of cooking most meals anymore.
Pam
I cook my dry beans and then 0kg & freeze them. I had planned on making chili tomorrow when your recipe fortuitously appeared in my inbox. HURRAH. What is your opinion of TVP?
janzy
Love my Instant Pot so thanks for sharing your success with this recipe in it!
washbear
This chili is soooo good! I had it tonight with your cornbread recipe. It was such a satisfying meal-- thank you!!! (By the way, I cooked the chili in the Instant Pot, on the manual high pressure cooking setting for 10 minutes... turned out great!)
Melanie
Thanks for the IP conversion!
Jacci
Hi - thanks for the Instant pot conversion! Did you use NPR? For how long?
Lorene Vargas
Tried it and it was amazing, I didn’t have bulgar wheat so I just ate it over brown rice. This will definitely be a regular menu item in my house, chili fries here I come.
★★★★★
James
did u wait and add the masa after it pressure cooked or no?? thanks
Chuck Underwood
yes
Mark
I'm from Texas as well and have been very disappointed with many of the vegan chili's that I've tried. I made this recipe tonight and all I can say is....This recipe is THE BOMB!! Nothing else need be said!!!
Chuck Underwood
Thanks Mark! Glad you liked it!
Margaret
Outstanding! It's good by itself or to make burritos. For my burrito I steam kale, chop it up to add as a topping over the beans. I made tofu sour cream by adding white vinegar to mori-nu lite tofu, some miso and nooch blended in. That goes over the kale. Then wrap it up and oh my!! Anyway best chili I've had in a long time, it's a keeper.
★★★★★
Chuck Underwood
Thanks Mark! Glad you enjoyed it!
Lynn
Thanks for this recipe - this is really, seriously good!
I grew up in Texas, and have been disappointed by what passes for chile where I live now. It is a rather bland, sweet-tasting kind of dish here.
Your chile is full-flavored, thick, and rich tasting! Adding the refried beans is a nice touch, something I haven't seen before in chile recipes. I have seen masa flour added as a thickener, but the refried beans work much better. And the spices were just the right quantities.
I couldn't find seitan, so I tried making my own using vital wheat gluten flour and a recipe that I found in one of my vegan cookbooks. The broth that it cooked in was a vegan version of beef broth, and turned the seitan brown. You are right - it really looks like beef! I ran mine trough my food processor, so it had the appearance of ground meat, exactly like cooked hamburger. I can't wait to try this chile with my omni friends - I don't think that anyone will think that this doesn't have meat in it. However, the seitan doesn't seem to be a major part of the flavor, so it could easily be left out, if desired.
Again, thanks!
Chuck Underwood
Thanks for the kind comments. Really glad you liked it. I really do make this about once a week and can never tire of it. This last week I used Black Beans and White Beans (was out of kidney and pinto) and man, it was good!
I would LOVE your recipe/instructions for homemade Seitan. Please share! 🙂
EmiRey
Hi Lynn! May I ask what cookbook you used to make that seitan recipe?