20 Vegetarian Chili Recipes for Hearty Meatless Meals

The best thing about vegetarian chili is that it’s often quicker and easier to make than most meat-based versions—but it’s still hearty and delicious. Whether you pack it with beans, squash, lentils or tofu, vegetarian (or vegan!) chili makes it easy to incorporate more plant-based dishes into your weekly routine. Just take this protein-packed recipe, for example. We load it up with navy beans and brown lentils to make it extra filling and give it a generous dose of dried spices to boost the flavor. It has full, slow-cooked flavor thanks to our secret ingredient (fire-roasted tomatoes) but is on the table in just one hour, making it an easy option any night of the week.

Packed with nutritious beans like white beans, kidney beans, lima beans and black beans, this chili recipe couldn’t get any more hearty. Minced pickled jalapeno adds a bright spicy flavor, and Mexican oregano adds a bit of earthiness. Serve over couscous and top with shredded cheese.

Like most vegetarian chili recipes, this one is packed with vegetables. Unlike most vegetarian chili recipes, it’s bursting with unique flavor thanks to the inclusion of a secret ingredient—coffee! Coffee and unsweetened cocoa powder add a complexity that’s reminiscent of mole in this elevated recipe. Top with torn tortilla chips and fresh cilantro.

If you’re feeding both meat eaters and non-meat eaters in the same meal, this hearty recipe is an easy way to please both parties. Three types of beans and three types of peppers mean this dish is packed with flavor and nutrition. Top it with scallions, shredded cheese and crispy tortilla chips.