Easy Tempeh Chili (The BEST Vegan Chili Recipe!) (2024)

This vegan tempeh chili recipe is a delicious plant-based dinner that’s packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes! Withtempeh, veggies, beans, and a blend of spices, this is a simple chili that you would never believe is meatless.

Easy Tempeh Chili (The BEST Vegan Chili Recipe!) (1)

Have you ever had one of those foods that was never in your “culinary vocabulary”, so to speak, and then one day you discover it and your whole world changes? Like I remember back when I only knew ginger in the context of gingerbread. Then one day I learned about the so-good, hands-down magical ability of ginger to transform stir fries, and proceeded to cook ginger intoevery thing I ate until a golden ginger aura formed around me.

Well that same thing just happened with tempeh. Like just happened, guys. On our practice round of the 21 Day Vegetarian Reset, the tulip-man got pretty sick of tofu. Granted, he went from 0 to 100 t.m.p.h (tofu miles per hour) faster than you can say “Day 1 of the 21 Day Reset”, but I must admit, the original plan had a lot of tofu. So I changed it up a bit. I set out on a great exploration in search of plant-based proteins, and I found the answer in tempeh!

Reader rating

★★★★★

“Quick and hearty meal! Can be adjusted to individual tastes easily. My first use of tempeh was a success:) thank you Sarah!” —Amy

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Easy Tempeh Chili (The BEST Vegan Chili Recipe!) (2)

Like tofu, tempeh is made from soybeans. But these soybeans are whole (meaning tempeh is higher in protein, fiber, and nutrients) and fermented (giving it a really earthy, wholesome flavor). And if you grate it up and cook it up with beans, fresh veggies, and spices, you get a damn good, can’t-believe-it’s-vegan tempeh chili!

How do you make Vegan chili?

Here’s how you make this ridiculously easy plant-based chili recipe:

  1. Cook tempeh in a pot until browned
  2. Add onion, garlic, and veggies
  3. Add spices, beans, and tomato
  4. Cook until warm
  5. Devour

Are you ready to meet the vegan chili that’s about to warm up your whole winter?

Easy Tempeh Chili (The BEST Vegan Chili Recipe!) (3)

Variations on this Vegan chili

  • Tofu: You can use a package of crumbled tofu in place of the tempeh.
  • Tex-Mex: You can make this a Tex-Mex inspired chili by replacing the seasonings with a packet of taco seasoning (similar to what Taco Soup).
  • Add Veggies: You can spruce this vegan chili up by adding vegetables (we sometimes add chunks of butternut, pumpkin, or sweet potato!)
  • Meal Prep It: Cook up a bunch of broccoli and grains and portion this tempeh chili out for the week into tasty chili meal prep.
Easy Tempeh Chili (The BEST Vegan Chili Recipe!) (4)

P.S. If you love this tempeh chili you’re going to want to try this Taco Soup, this Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili, or this White Bean Chili!

Easy Tempeh Chili (The BEST Vegan Chili Recipe!) (5)

Easy Tempeh Chili (The BEST Vegan Chili Recipe!)

4.73 from 18 votes

Prep: 5 minutes minutes

Cook: 25 minutes minutes

Total: 30 minutes minutes

Author: Sarah Bond

Calories: 522kcal

Servings: 4 servings

Print Rate

This vegan tempeh chili recipe is a delicious plant-based dinner that's packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil 30 mL
  • 1 8-oz package tempeh 226 g, roughly grated
  • 1 medium white onion diced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 stalk celery diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 3/4 cup tomato sauce 177 mL
  • 1 15-oz can kidney beans 425 g, drained
  • 1 15-oz can black beans 425 g, drained
  • 1 cup water 240 mL
  • 1 tsp each cumin and salt
  • 1/4 tsp each chili powder and crushed red pepper flakes
  • To serve: chopped green onions, plain Greek yogurt

Instructions

  • Brown Tempeh: Heat oil over medium/high heat in a large pot. Add tempeh and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. It’s okay if some of it sticks to the bottom of the pan. It will come off when you add the liquids.

  • Add Flavor Makers: Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic, continuing to cook until veggies are a bit soft, about 5 minutes.

  • Cook Everything: Add the remaining ingredients, reduce heat to medium,and cook until warm and the flavors have blended, about 15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Top with green onions and serve.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1serving Calories: 522kcal (26%) Carbohydrates: 64g (21%) Protein: 30g (60%) Fat: 22g (34%) Sodium: 1900mg (83%) Fiber: 17g (71%)

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Vegan Chili FAQs

Can you make vegan chili in a slow cooker? Yes! To make this tempeh chili in a slow cooker, you’ll still need to brown the tempeh and saute the onion, celery, pepper, and garlic until soft. Then simply transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours (high for 3 to 4).

How long does vegan chili last? Store this chili in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 to 5 days.

Can you freeze vegan chili? This tempeh chili can be frozen! Freeze in portion-sized freezer-safe baggies or containers. When ready to eat, let thaw in the fridge overnight, then heat in the microwave or on the stove.

Easy Tempeh Chili (The BEST Vegan Chili Recipe!) (2024)

FAQs

How do you make chili more flavorful? ›

Elevate with Extra Flavor

Elevate your chili recipe by adding an extra layer of flavor. Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight.

Can tempeh be shredded? ›

Tempeh can be cut into strips, cubes or steaks. It can be grated or crumbled.

What is vegan chili made of? ›

This Vegan Chili is a moderately-spiced, tomato-y stew loaded with chunks of celery, onion, green bell pepper, and carrot. Spices like ancho chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic, and cayenne pepper add some body to the chili, while kidney beans and pinto beans give a hearty and creamy texture.

What is the secret to really good chili? ›

Cook it long enough

Chili recipes need time for flavors to meld and come together, and collagen-rich meat (like chuck roast or ground beef) needs 90 minutes to two hours to fully break down and become tender. If you don't have time for a long simmer, try using a slow cooker or making it the day before.

What is the downside of tempeh? ›

Perhaps the only downside to tempeh is its calorie count is higher than tofu's, but the nutrients it packs more than make up for this. But tofu is not without its advantages. Because tempeh is often made with additional ingredients, it may not be gluten-free, so keep that in mind if you have dietary restrictions.

Why add vinegar to tempeh? ›

Acidity protects against harmful bacteria. It is therefore important to add vinegar when preparing tempeh. Vinegar can be added at two different times: when soaking the legumes, or when adding the culture.

Why do you put vinegar in tempeh? ›

vinegar (like apple cider vinegar): adding vinegar creates an acidic environment. This is important to prevent the growth of unwanted bacteria. a warm place: like an incubator or simply an oven with the light on. Temperatures of 30-37°C (85-98°F) work best to make tempeh.

What ingredient makes chili taste like chili? ›

Most Common Chili Spices. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

What are the best beans for chili? ›

The best beans for chili are pinto, kidney, and black beans, like in this easy and tasty recipe. This 3-bean chili freezes great for meals later in the week. If you prefer thinner chili, add an extra can of tomato sauce. The green chiles are not hot and add a wonderful flavor, so don't be afraid to use them.

How do you thicken chili without meat? ›

Adding small pieces of veggies, such as carrots, celery, potatoes, or onions, to your base will thicken the mixture and enhance the earthy flavor and taste of your chili. 5. Add beans: Add beans to your chili to absorb any excess liquid.

What chilli sauce is vegan? ›

Many brands, including Cholula, Frank's RedHot, Tabasco, Tapatío, and most Sriracha brands are vegan.

Does vegan chili need to be refrigerated? ›

How Long Does Vegan Chili Last? If you want to make a large batch of vegan chili for meal prep, you can store it in the fridge for three to five days or freeze it in jars for two to three months, making sure to leave at least an inch of headspace in each jar. Defrost vegan chili in the refrigerator overnight.

Do Vegans eat rice? ›

Yes, absolutely! Rice is a common grain in all cooking and has a significant place in the plant-based world too. Some rice dishes may not be suitable for vegans though, so if you're eating out or following a recipe make sure there are no meat, fish or other animal products being used before you tuck in!

How do you fix chili that has no flavor? ›

How to Give Chili a Flavor Boost
  1. Add something acidic. ...
  2. Try to identify what about your chili is boring. ...
  3. Add tomato paste. ...
  4. Drop in some chocolate. ...
  5. Embrace pickling liquid. ...
  6. Stir in some molasses.

Does sugar make chili taste better? ›

Now for the piece de resistance: 1-2 heaping Tablespoons brown sugar. The chili tastes completely different without the brown sugar so if you like a subtle sweetness in your chili then you've just got to go for it! Trust me, it will not make your chili taste like candy.

Does chili taste better the longer you simmer it? ›

Not so fast. While all that time on the stovetop or in the slow cooker has made for a deep, spiced aroma, the long cook time often results in a flat flavor that benefits from some acidity to perk it up.

How much cayenne pepper should I add to my chili? ›

For a Chili That Serves 4 to 6 People

For the simplest, most classic chili, we recommend 2 tablespoons of chili powder and 1 teaspoon of cumin. For a spicier chili, choose 2 tablespoons of chili powder and up to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and keep the cumin level the same (1 teaspoon).

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