15 High Protein Vegetarian Chili Recipes

Sneak more produce, beans and legumes into your day with these filling chili recipes.

Image Credit: Westend61/Westend61/GettyImages Whether or not you follow a plant-based diet, we can all benefit from going meat-free a few times a week. Not to mention, it’s a great way to force — er, encourage — yourself to eat more vegetables.

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 And as we're in the middle of winter, what better way to go meatless than a bowl of hearty chili? Your typical bowl of chili often includes beef, loading it with protein, but there are alternative ways to enjoy protein-rich chili recipes sans the ground meat. That's why we tapped a registered dietitian to get the scoop on plant-based chilis that still pack the protein.

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  Keep scrolling for 15 high-protein vegetarian chili recipes that have all the nostalgic flavor we know and love with a vegetable twist.

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Are You Getting Enough Protein? Track your macros by logging your meals on the MyPlate app. Download now to fine-tune your diet today!

One-Pot Vegan Chili Mac
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Add a twist to traditional chili by tossing in elbow macaroni. Image Credit: The Simple Veganista

390 calories 19.8 grams of protein

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 "Instead of using ground meat, this recipe calls for tempeh, a fermented soy product that's a popular meat replacement," Andrea Mathis, RDN, LD, says. Tempeh contains nutrients like iron, calcium, manganese and phosphorus.

Get the One-Pot Vegan Chili Mac recipe and nutrition info from The Simple Veganista. 2. Vegan Chili Recipe With Beans

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This vegan chili is both gluten-free and low-fat.

Image Credit: Ela Vegan

302 calories 16.6 grams of protein

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 To make chili even more satiating, add loads of veggies as this recipe calls for. "Even though this recipe contains a lot of wholesome ingredients, the sodium content is rather high per serving," Mathis says. To reduce the salt content, use no-salt-added or low-sodium beans and broth.

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  Get the Vegan Chili With Beans recipe and nutrition info from Ela Vegan.

Cashew and Pepper Chili

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This crunchy, peppery chili only requires three simple ingredients and 10 minutes to make.

Image Credit: Jenna Butler/LIVESTRONG.com

403 calories 19 grams of protein

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 This chili recipe comes to the rescue on busy weeknights. The addition of cashews adds protein, fiber and heart-healthy fats, Mathis says. "Cashews are also a good source of copper and magnesium, which is important for energy production and bone health."

Get the Cashew and Pepper Chili recipe and nutrition info here. 4. Butternut Squash and Black Bean Chili

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For a change of flavor, try adding seasonal produce like butternut squash to a batch of chili.

Image Credit: anakopa/iStock/GettyImages

172 calories 16 grams of protein

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 This recipe proves that you don't need meat to get a good amount of protein as one serving contains 16 grams. "Butternut squash is packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants," Mathis says. And because the black beans add fiber to keep you full, you're sure to be satisfied long after this plant-based bowl.

Get the Butternut Squash and Black Bean Chili recipe and nutrition info here. 5. Savory Lentil Chili With Cumin Cream

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Not a fan of beans? Make lentils the star of your next chili pot.

Image Credit: Sherry Castellano/LIVESTRONG.com

446 calories 19 grams of protein

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 "One unique ingredient in this recipe is dark chocolate chips," Mathis says. "Dark chocolate is known for its decadent taste, but it also contains antioxidants, manganese, copper and iron." Not to mention, it adds a novel flavor that makes this chili one-of-a-kind.

Get the Savory Lentil Chili With Cumin Cream recipe and nutrition info here. 6. Cincinnati-Style Veggie Chili Bake

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This Ohio-inspired favorite combines two American recipes into one hearty meal.

Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com

411 calories 21 grams of protein

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 "The combination of cinnamon and allspice, which comes with impressive benefits," Mathis says. "Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties." Plus, using whole-grain pasta instead of the white variety gives this recipe and protein and fiber boost.

Get the Cincinnati-Style Veggie Chili Bake recipe and nutrition info here. 7. One-Pot Red Lentil Chili

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This dump-and-go recipe is ready to serve within one hour.

Image Credit: Minimalist Baker

320 calories 15.9 grams of protein

If you want to increase your fiber intake, Mathis says this chili recipe is a good choice. “It contains two different kinds of beans and lentils that will keep you full and satisfied.” She also suggests using avocado oil, which contains heart-healthy oleic acid — a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid.

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  Get the One-Pot Red Lentil Chili recipe and nutrition info from Minimalist Baker.

Spicy Bean Chili
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Don’t skip sprinkling cinnamon in this recipe. It adds flavor and nutritional benefits. Image Credit: fahrwasser/adobe Stock

270 calories 17 grams of protein

This bean chili packs in the heat, thanks to jalapenos and chili powder, without overdoing it on the calories. And because this recipe has 17 grams of fiber and protein, you won’t find yourself wanting to snack later on in the evening. Get the Spicy Bean Chili recipe and nutrition info here. 9. Half-Homemade Chili

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Canned chili is not only convenient, but filling, too.

Image Credit: Jenna Butler/LIVESTRONG.com

450 calories 20 grams of protein

If you’re using canned chili, adding nutrient-dense ingredients like green pepper and cashews helps to add some extra nutrition to a shortcut meal. “To make this recipe heartier, try adding in a few additional veggies like kale, carrots, squash or mushrooms,” Mathis suggests. Get the Half-Homemade Chili recipe and nutrition info here. 10. Winter White Chili

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Thanks to the jalapeno and apple juice in this recipe, you'll enjoy the sweet and spicy base.

Image Credit: Brent Hofacker/Adobe Stock

336 calories 17 grams of protein

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 "This white chili recipe contains several nutritious ingredients such as beans, fresh herbs and 100-percent apple juice," Mathis says.

Get the Winter White Chili recipe and nutrition info here. 11. Easy Three-Bean Chili

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This chili is chock-full of so many beans, you won't even notice it's meat-free.

Image Credit: The Simple Veganista

392 calories 22.4 grams of protein

“Including cocoa powder in this recipe provides you with a great source of antioxidants,” Mathis says. She also notes that the fat content is at the lower end, which makes this recipe ideal for those wanting to lose weight or watch their overall fat intake. Get the Easy Three-Bean Chili recipe and nutrition info from The Simple Veganista. 12. Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chipotle Chili With Quinoa

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Sweet potatoes, quinoa and chipotles are stars of this Southwest-inspired chili.

Image Credit: Dishing Out Health

360 calories 16 grams of protein

Quinoa is the star of this slow cooker recipe. “Quinoa is a great source of protein and fiber and contains all nine essential amino acids,” Mathis says. Using canned tomatoes provides you with lycopene, which has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and cancer, she adds. Get the Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chipotle Chili With Quinoa recipe and nutrition info from Dishing Out Health. 13. Vegan Beer Chili

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Adding a bottle of Mexican beer to this dish gives the broth a unique depth of flavor.

Image Credit: Minimalist Baker

297 calories 17 grams of protein

“This vegan beer chili utilizes several canned ingredients, which is very convenient and cost-effective,” Mathis says. “Most people don’t realize this, but canned produce is nutritionally comparable to fresh and frozen produce.” So, feel free to add even more veggies if you have cans stored away in your pantry. Get the Vegan Beer Chili recipe and nutrition info from Minimalist Baker. 14. Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lentil Chili

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You can whip up a pot of chili on a budget with this recipe that costs less than $5 to make.

Image Credit: Budget Bytes

369 calories 19.7 grams of protein

This slow cooker recipe makes for a great hot meal after a long day at work (or WFH). To reduce the overall sodium content, Mathis suggests purchasing low-sodium ingredients when preparing this chili. Also, adding fresh herbs is a way to add more flavor without increasing salt levels. Get the Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lentil Chili recipe and nutrition info from Budget Bytes. 15. Slow Cooker Vegan Chili

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The combination of black and pinto beans makes this vegan chili super hearty and satiating.

Image Credit: My Nguyen/LIVESTRONG.com

271 calories 17 grams of protein

Including both beans and lentils in this recipe adds a good amount of fiber while keeping it low in fat. To make this a well-rounded meal, try serving with a side of green vegetables like broccoli, spinach or kale or a side salad. Get the Slow Cooker Vegan Chili recipe and nutrition info here.

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Sneak more produce, beans and legumes into your day with these filling chili recipes.

Image Credit: Westend61/Westend61/GettyImages

Are You Getting Enough Protein?

Track your macros by logging your meals on the MyPlate app. Download now to fine-tune your diet today!

        Visit Page
        https://simple-veganista.com    


Add a twist to traditional chili by tossing in elbow macaroni.

Image Credit: The Simple Veganista

Get the One-Pot Vegan Chili Mac recipe and nutrition info from The Simple Veganista.

        Visit Page
        https://elavegan.com    


This vegan chili is both gluten-free and low-fat.

Image Credit: Ela Vegan

Get the Vegan Chili With Beans recipe and nutrition info from Ela Vegan.

        Visit Page
        https://www.livestrong.com    


This crunchy, peppery chili only requires three simple ingredients and 10 minutes to make.

Image Credit: Jenna Butler/LIVESTRONG.com

Get the Cashew and Pepper Chili recipe and nutrition info here.

For a change of flavor, try adding seasonal produce like butternut squash to a batch of chili.

Image Credit: anakopa/iStock/GettyImages

Get the Butternut Squash and Black Bean Chili recipe and nutrition info here.

Not a fan of beans? Make lentils the star of your next chili pot.

Image Credit: Sherry Castellano/LIVESTRONG.com

Get the Savory Lentil Chili With Cumin Cream recipe and nutrition info here.

This Ohio-inspired favorite combines two American recipes into one hearty meal.

Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com

Get the Cincinnati-Style Veggie Chili Bake recipe and nutrition info here.

        Visit Page
        https://minimalistbaker.com    


This dump-and-go recipe is ready to serve within one hour.

Image Credit: Minimalist Baker

Get the One-Pot Red Lentil Chili recipe and nutrition info from Minimalist Baker.

Don't skip sprinkling cinnamon in this recipe. It adds flavor and nutritional benefits.

Image Credit: fahrwasser/adobe Stock

Get the Spicy Bean Chili recipe and nutrition info here.

Canned chili is not only convenient, but filling, too.

Image Credit: Jenna Butler/LIVESTRONG.com

Get the Half-Homemade Chili recipe and nutrition info here.

Thanks to the jalapeno and apple juice in this recipe, you'll enjoy the sweet and spicy base.

Image Credit: Brent Hofacker/Adobe Stock

Get the Winter White Chili recipe and nutrition info here.

This chili is chock-full of so many beans, you won't even notice it's meat-free.

Image Credit: The Simple Veganista

Get the Easy Three-Bean Chili recipe and nutrition info from The Simple Veganista.

        Visit Page
        https://dishingouthealth.com    


Sweet potatoes, quinoa and chipotles are stars of this Southwest-inspired chili.

Image Credit: Dishing Out Health

Get the Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chipotle Chili With Quinoa recipe and nutrition info from Dishing Out Health.

Adding a bottle of Mexican beer to this dish gives the broth a unique depth of flavor.

Image Credit: Minimalist Baker

Get the Vegan Beer Chili recipe and nutrition info from Minimalist Baker.

        Visit Page
        https://www.budgetbytes.com    


You can whip up a pot of chili on a budget with this recipe that costs less than $5 to make.

Image Credit: Budget Bytes

Get the Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lentil Chili recipe and nutrition info from Budget Bytes.

The combination of black and pinto beans makes this vegan chili super hearty and satiating.

Image Credit: My Nguyen/LIVESTRONG.com

Get the Slow Cooker Vegan Chili recipe and nutrition info here.