Easy Vegan Chilli Recipe – Healthy, Filling & Family Friendly

Updated: May 2026

Comfort food absolutely does not need to be meat-based! Our easy vegan chilli is rich, warming, filling and packed with smoky flavour. It’s the kind of cosy family dinner that’s perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights or when you want a healthy meal that still feels comforting and satisfying.

This vegan chilli con carne is made with sweet potatoes, kidney beans, tomatoes and smoky chipotle paste for a deliciously hearty texture and flavour. It’s naturally high in fibre, packed with vegetables and really budget-friendly too.

We love serving this veggie chilli with fluffy rice, crunchy nachos and loads of toppings for scooping and piling on top.

And honestly? The leftovers taste even better the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Chilli Recipe

Budget Friendly

Beans and vegetables make this a really affordable family meal that still feels hearty and filling.

Packed With Veggies

Sweet potatoes, peppers, onions and tomatoes all count towards your 5-a-day.

Perfect For Meal Prep

This chilli reheats beautifully and freezes really well too.

Easy To Adapt

Make it milder for kids or spice it up with extra chipotle, chilli flakes or jalapeños.

Naturally Vegan

No complicated substitutes needed. Just simple wholesome ingredients.

Equipment Needed

• Chopping board
• Sharp vegetable knife
• Large saucepan with lid
• Wooden spoon or cooking spoon
• Measuring spoons

Ingredients For Vegan Chilli

Everything you need to make this warming bean chilli recipe.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 red onion – diced
• 2 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoon chipotle paste
• 1 red pepper – diced
• 2 sweet potatoes – peeled and diced
• 400g can kidney beans – drained and rinsed
• 400g can chopped tomatoes
• Pinch salt
• Pinch black pepper

Optional Toppings

• Boiled rice
• Nachos
• Fresh coriander
• Sliced avocado
• Vegan cheese
• Vegan sour cream
• Jalapeños

How To Make Vegan Chilli

This easy vegan chilli is super simple to prepare and perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

Step One – Fry The Onion And Spices

Add the olive oil to a large saucepan over a medium heat.

Tip in the diced onion and fry gently for 3-4 minutes until starting to soften.

Add the garlic powder, cumin and chipotle paste and stir well. Continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes until fragrant and the onions are soft.

Step Two – Add The Vegetables And Beans

Tip in the diced sweet potatoes, red pepper and kidney beans.

Pour in the chopped tomatoes and season with salt and black pepper.

Stir everything together thoroughly.

Bring the chilli to the boil, then reduce the heat, pop the lid on and simmer gently for around 30 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened.

Stir occasionally while cooking to stop it catching on the bottom of the pan.

Step Three – Serve The Vegan Chilli

Serve the chilli piping hot with fluffy rice, crunchy nachos or warm tortilla wraps.

Top with your favourite extras like avocado, coriander or vegan cheese.

Pro Tips For The BEST Vegan Chilli

Dice The Sweet Potato Small

Smaller cubes cook faster and give the chilli a better texture.

Adjust The Heat

Chipotle paste varies in strength, so start small and add more later if needed.

Let It Simmer Properly

The longer it gently cooks, the richer and thicker the sauce becomes.

Batch Cook It

This recipe doubles really easily and freezes brilliantly for future dinners.

Slow Cooker Vegan Chilli

You can easily make this vegan chilli in the slow cooker too.

Slow Cooker Instructions

1. Fry the onion, spices and chipotle paste first.
2. Transfer everything to the slow cooker.
3. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.

What To Serve With Vegan Chilli

This easy chilli goes brilliantly with:

• Boiled basmati rice
• Nachos
• Garlic bread
• Corn tortillas
• Waffle nachos
• Guacamole
• Mexican coleslaw
• Sweet potato wedges

Vegan Chilli Variations

Add More Beans

Try black beans, butter beans or chickpeas.

Add Extra Vegetables

Courgettes, mushrooms and sweetcorn all work really well.

Make It Smokier

Add smoked paprika for extra depth.

Add Grains

Cooked quinoa or brown rice make the chilli even more filling.

How To Store Leftover Vegan Chilli

In The Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

In The Freezer

Freeze portions for up to 3 months.

Defrost thoroughly before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the hob or in the microwave until piping hot throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make vegan chilli ahead of time?

Yes! Vegan chilli actually tastes even better the next day once the flavours have developed.

Is vegan chilli healthy?

Yes, this vegan chilli is packed with vegetables, beans and fibre making it a nutritious, filling family dinner.

Can I freeze vegan chilli?

Absolutely. Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

What beans work best in vegan chilli?

Kidney beans are classic, but black beans, butter beans and chickpeas also work brilliantly.

More Easy Vegan Recipes To Try

• Vegan Burger – hearty homemade vegan burgers perfect for family dinner nights.
• Vegan Pasta – easy vegetable pasta recipe packed with flavour.
• Chickpea Curry – warming curry recipe that’s budget friendly and filling.
• Cauliflower Fritters – crispy veggie fritters perfect for lunch or sides.
• Vegetarian Fajitas – smoky veggie fajitas with beans and peppers.
• Vegetable Ragu – rich tomato vegetable pasta sauce perfect for weeknights.
• Watercress Pesto – fresh homemade pesto for pasta, wraps and salads.