Easy Vegan Chili

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This chili is hearty and flavorful thanks to a base of crumbled vegan sausage, sautéed onions, and garlic.

To that I just throw in some pantry staples like a few cans of tomatoes and beans, and then I’ll let it simmer for a while. It all cooks in one pot and since all of the ingredients are already cooked, this meal could technically be ready to serve in under 15 minutes.

Like most things in life though, the chili gets better with time. So I like to start this recipe when I get home in the afternoon and just let it simmer on low heat until dinnertime. Such a cozy feeling to know that dinner is warm and waiting for you whenever you’re ready!

I like to serve it with a sprinkle of vegan cheese on top. I do that first so it melts on top of the chili. Then I add a cool dollop of sour cream and a few fresh elements for contrast like cilantro or chopped onions. A couple of crumbled tortilla chips, some avocado, or a wedge of lime to squeeze over the top really takes this simple chili recipe to the next level and makes it feel like such a treat.

I hope you enjoy!

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Easy Vegan Chili

By: Nicole Vranjican
A one pot chili recipe that is easy to make and great for meal prep!
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 people
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Ingredients 

  • 2 vegan sausages , I use Field Roast's Italian Sausages
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 chili seasoning packet , I use Simply Organic
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, (optional)
  • 2 15 oz cans diced tomaotes , petit is preferable
  • 1 15 oz can black beans
  • 1 15 oz can kidney beans
  • 1 15 oz can lentils
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • ½ cup water
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions 

  • Start by chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, and rinsing and draining the beans and lentils. Set aside. Then remove the casings from the vegan sausages, crumble into small pieces, and set that aside too.
  • Then add 2 tbsp of oil to a large pot and warm over medium high heat. Add in the crumbled vegan sausage and brown for 2-3 minutes.
  • Then add in the onions and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the garlic and cook for one minute, then add the chili seasoning packet and a good pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Next add in the canned tomatoes, beans, lentils, corn, and water. Stir, reduce heat to medium low (about a 3 out of 10) and cover with a lid.
  • Simmer for 15 minutes, sitrring occassionally, and then use a wooden spoon to slightly mash some of the beans as you stir. This sill thicken the chili slightly as it cooks.
  • At this point it's ready to serve, but you can keep it simmering on very low heat with a lid on top for about an hour. Check periodicaly to see if you need to add a little more water, but the flavors will develop and become more delicious as this cooks.
  • This dish benefits greatly from salt and pepper, so taste and adjust as desired.
  • To serve, laddle a hearty portion into a bowl and top with vegan cheese, a dollop of vegan sour cream and some chopped onions and/or cilantro and a few crumbled tortilla chips for crunch. Enjoy!

Notes

Feel free to add whatever veggies you like. I often add frozen cauliflower rice, shredded zucchini, sweet potato or squash, or bell peppers. It’s a great way to use up what you have on hand, so use what you’ve got. 
 
This recipe freezes really well. I let the chili cool completely, then portion it out into small containers so that it’s easy to heat and eat whenever I need a quick meal. 
 
Repurpose leftover chili! Instead of having the exact same meal again, use the leftovers to make chili fries, nachos, burritos, loaded baked potatoes, or chili mac and cheese. Get creative, there’s a lot of fun ways to enjoy this recipe so it never gets boring 🙂

About Nicole Vranjican

Hey! I'm Nicole and I make practical vegan recipes for REAL life. I cook with simple, easy to find ingredients and I'm passionate about creating delicious plant-based meals that everyone will love!

I hope you enjoy my recipes and videos :) Happy Cooking!

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Recipe Rating




3 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I loved this recipe, really delicious and especially super easy!
    One thing I would love is an option for the individual spices rather than using the chili seasoning packet. It was so delicious using the seasoning packet, I don’t want to mess it up, but I buy my spices in bulk and it would be more economical and customizable to have the quantities of individual spices to recreate the packet if possible!

  2. My go-to chili recipe! I found a chili spice recipe online and use that rather than a spice packet. (The packets can be pricey.) Also sub 8 Beyond Meatballs (Italian style) for the 2 sausages so there’s no sausage casing to deal with. Thanks for the easy and delicious recipe, Nicole.

    1. That’s a great idea! I bet the meatballs are delicious in this recipe. I’m so glad you like this chili as much as I do 😊😊 Thanks for letting me know!