As much as I like fancy gourmet recipes and expanding my culinary skills, I also love simple meals that are fuss-free and easy to throw together on a weeknight (and I know how much you all love those kinds of recipes).
So today we have an easy recipe for One-Pot Vegan Chili Mac. It’s vegan (obvi), and easy to make gluten-free, oil-free, and soy-free!
Here’s why you’ll love this One-Pot Vegan Chili Mac
Easy to make. This is one of the easiest recipes to make and it’s pretty foolproof. Nothing fancy or complicated.
Quick and Weeknight Friendly. You’ll need about 10 minutes of prep time, but you can shave time off by using a mini chopper or food processor to chop your veggies. Then you’ll need about 7 minutes to sauté the aromatics and spices, followed by 15-20 minutes of simmering the chili mac. All in all, you’re looking at just 30-40 minutes!
Staple Ingredients. I came up with this recipe because I was trying to use up ingredients that had been sitting unused in my pantry for months. Which means you might already have all of the ingredients for this recipe in your kitchen!
This recipe features simple, everyday ingredients like onions, garlic, canned tomatoes, beans, and corn, along with some spices and vegetable broth. And if there’s one ingredient you don’t have and you really want to make this recipe anyways…guess what? You probably can!
In the “how to modify” this section below, I share some ideas on how to modify this recipe to meet your nutritional needs.
Budget-Friendly. As with many bean recipes, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that this meal is budget-friendly! No expensive or exotic ingredients required :)
Delicious Leftovers. This makes a big pot of chili mac. It serves 6 generously (8 servings if your appetite is smaller or you go heavy on the toppings), so you can definitely enjoy leftovers for a few days, depending on how many people you are feeding. Plus, the leftovers are even tastier!
Ingredient Rundown
Spices
To keep this meal easy and straightforward, I rely on ground spices—chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper,. However, if you have the time, here are some optional additions that will elevate your chili mac and give it even more flavor.
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Dice a few jalapeño peppers and add them along with the garlic. Or a serrano pepper, which is spicier. These will add a brighter, fresher spiciness than just using cayenne pepper.
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Or, add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (chop it up). It’ll add a rich, smoky, spicy flavor.
Garlic
Please use fresh garlic! It is much more potent and flavorful than garlic powder, especially when it’s sautéed in a bit of oil before adding the liquids.
Mushrooms
Chili mac is traditionally made with meat, so I love the meatiness that mushrooms bring to this dish. Not to mention, mushrooms are packed with fiber, B vitamins, antioxidants, and one of the few non-animal sources of Vitamin D.
But if you’re not a mushroom fan, just omit them and add an extra can of beans.
Beans
I used kidney beans in this recipe but you could easily use pinto beans or black beans instead. Canned beans (rinsed and drained) are perfect in this recipe, but if you have freshly cooked beans on hand, of course, use those instead.
Pasta
Traditionally, chili mac uses elbow pasta (the same pasta used in macaroni), but I prefer using cavatappi. It’s another short-ish pasta but it has a ridged texture and curly shape. The variety and brand of pasta you use will dictate the exact cook time.
Agave/Maple Syrup/Coconut Sugar
I know, this sounds like a strange ingredient, but adding a bit of sweetener at the end really helps balance the acidity from the tomatoes, the spiciness from the spices, and the bitterness from the tempeh. Especially if you plan to eat this chili mac the day you make it (i.e., you don’t let it rest overnight in the fridge before eating), the sweetener really helps balance everything out.
How to modify this recipe for your nutritional needs
Gluten-Free
To make this chili mac gluten-free, be sure to use a gluten-free tempeh. Many varieties of tempeh contain gluten from either soy sauce or actual grains, such as barley. If you have only a moderate intolerance to gluten and are not allergic to it, you may be able to digest tempeh varieties that have gluten since tempeh is a fermented food, making it easier to digest.
Lightlife Foods sells a gluten-free version, as it’s made with organic soybeans, not soy sauce.
Also, use gluten-free pasta. I’ve tried the gluten-free elbow pasta from Barilla. It took about 18 minutes to be cooked through.
Oil-Free
Cook the onions, garlic, mushrooms, and spices in water instead of oil. Heat up about 1/3 cup of water, and once the water is sizzling, add the onions and follow the directions. Add a spoon or two more of water, as needed, to prevent things from burning. Keep in mind that the mushrooms will also emit a lot of water.
Soy-Free
I love using tempeh in this recipe because it adds this wonderfully nutty flavor, but if you are on a soy-free diet, you can easily replace it. One option is to double the amount of mushrooms (i.e., use 16 ounces or 454 grams of mushrooms) and omit the tempeh. Or, omit the tempeh and use another can of beans (any variety you like).
Tips for making vegan chili mac
1. The exact cook time for this One-Pot Vegan Chili Mac will depend on the shape and brand of pasta that you use. Elbow pasta will be done closer to 15 minutes. I used cavatappi pasta, which is a bigger pasta, so it took closer to 20 minutes.
2. You might be tempted to just toss the onions, garlic, and mushrooms into the pot with all the ingredients and not sauté them first. But since there aren’t a whole lot of fresh flavors in this chili, sautéing the aromatics beforehand is critical. It releases their volatile oils, which in turn releases flavors that would otherwise lie dormant. And then those flavors get infused into the chili.
3. For the tempeh, you’ll want to crumble it or grate it. I like to use a box grater to finely grate it, but crumbling by hand works well too.
If you’ve had tempeh before, you might have noticed that it can be quite bitter tasting, which is why many recipes recommend steaming the tempeh before further cooking it. However, I notice that when I crumble tempeh finely, especially into a stew or chili, the bitterness doesn’t come through (which is why you don’t need to steam the tempeh beforehand).
4. Let the chili mac rest before serving. As with any chili recipe, this chili mac is better the next day. Even allowing the recipe to rest for just 15-20 minutes will make it taste better. Resting helps the spices mellow out in their heat but also deepen in flavor. The result is a deep, rich, spicy yet balanced flavor, and a thicker texture.
5. Go topping happy! Toppings are my favorite part of chili, and this chili mac is no different. This is totally optional, but if you sprinkle on a generous amount of vegan cheddar cheese after cooking, and then close the lid, it melts into the chili and it is very delicious.
I also always top my chili with cilantro and either chopped raw red onion or sliced scallions!
More hearty vegan pastas
Hungry for even more hearty vegan fare? We’ve got you covered. Have a gander at these tasty recipes:
- In the mood for more mac and cheese? Try my crispy baked vegan mac and cheese or my creamy pumpkin mac and cheese. Whatever floats your boat, as they say.
- My vegan mushroom stroganoff gets rave reviews, and for good reason – it’s jam-packed with umami and delicious enough to convert mushroom haters.
- And if it’s easy you’re after, my vegan red lentil bolognese requires just 10 ingredients – perfect for weeknight dinners!
Okay, that’s it from me. If you try out this One-Pot Vegan Chili Mac, be sure to tag me on Instagram and leave a comment below with your feedback!
One-Pot Vegan Chili Mac
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil*
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 8 ounces (227g) mushrooms, chopped (I use cremini mushrooms)
- 1 (8-ounce / 227g) block of tempeh, grated or crumbled**
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (regular paprika is also fine)
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a slightly spicy version)***
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 4 cups (946 mL) vegetable broth
- 1 (15-ounce / 440g) can pinto, kidney, or black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 (28-ounce / 790g) can crushed tomatoes, fire roasted
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (15-ounce / 430g) can sweet corn, drained and rinsed
- 12 ounces (340g) elbow pasta or cavatappi pasta (gluten-free as needed)
- 2-3 teaspoons agave nectar, maple syrup, coconut sugar, or brown sugar****
Toppings
- 1 cup (16g) fresh cilantro, chopped
- Several squeezes of lime juice
- 1 cup shredded vegan cheese (optional but recommended)
- Vegan sour cream, for serving (optional but recommended)
- Pickled red onions***** (optional)
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven (or a large nonstick soup pot), heat the 1 tablespoon oil (or 1/3 cup water) over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (or once the water is simmering), add the onions and cook for 2 minutes, seasoning with a pinch of salt. Add the garlic, mushrooms, and crumbled tempeh, and cook for 5 more minutes. Add the chili powder, paprika, oregano, cumin, cayenne pepper, and salt. Stir the spices into the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Pour in the vegetable broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the pot.
- Add in the beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, corn, and pasta. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through but not soggy. If you want it to be a bit saucier, add a splash more of broth or water.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper, and stir in the agave or other sweetener. Taste for seasonings again and adjust accordingly.
- If using vegan cheese, sprinkle it all over the top of the chili mac. Cover the lid and let warm through for a few minutes. Allow chili mac to rest at least 15 minutes before serving and top with fresh chopped cilantro and any other desired toppings.
Notes
Delicious!! Made this last night and it was already amazing freshly cooked. So excited to have the leftovers today!!
I definitely plan on making this for my nonvegan friends.
Hi Rachel, we’re so happy you enjoyed it! Thanks for leaving a review :)
The recipe calls for regular tempeh (which is made from soy beans), how can it be soy free? I’ve not made it yet but would try a lentil or black bean tempeh for those with soy allergies.
Hi there, in the section titled “How to modify this recipe for your nutritional needs” Nisha writes: “I love using tempeh in this recipe because it adds this wonderfully nutty flavor, but if you are on a soy-free diet, you can easily replace it. One option is to double the amount of mushrooms (i.e., use 16 ounces or 454 grams of mushrooms) and omit the tempeh. Or, omit the tempeh and use another can of beans (any variety you like).”
This was so easy and one pot! Love your website, the info on the recipes is so helpful with various suggestions. Have enjoyed making many of them and some have been definitely out of the box recipes, so much fun! Thank you.
Hi Rosie, we’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed this recipe and are a fan of the site! :)
Next time, would you mind leaving a rating alongside your review? Star ratings are big help to readers who are thinking of making the recipe. Thanks!
This was my first tempeh recipe after letting two other blocks expire out of fear of a new ingredient. 🤦🏼♀️
This is incredible — exactly what I wanted on a cold night. I sprinkled crumbled cornbread muffins on top because I got too adventurous with the spice level and it was just insanely good. 🤤
Thank you for your lovely comment, Kylee! It makes us happy to know that you enjoyed the chili mac.
Tempeh can be hit and miss. I would use tvp instead. Or tofu.
Hi Jacqui, we agree tempeh isn’t as well-loved as some of the other plant-based protein sources. We hope you’re able to tailor this recipe to fit your preferences, and you love it! And if you’re still skeptical of tempeh, we hope you can try this BBQ tempeh or these tempeh tacos sometime and that they change your mind!
made this for the super bowl, and it was BELOVED! even doubled as meal prep for the next day :)
subbed for brown rice noodles and Pumfu instead of tempeh to make it gluten free
Linda, we’re grateful for your support! Thanks for taking the time to try the recipe and leave a review.
chopped chili peppers also would be a good topping, either fresh or the pickled ones. or some Valentina hot sauce if no peppers are on hand.
Sounds delicious, Richard! No baby mouth here!
Is this freezable?
I was excited to make this tonight but unfortunately the result wasn’t the creamy mac I expected. Store was out of tempeh so I used 150g extra mushrooms, but other than that followed the recipe. The result was really really watery and runny, I think maybe 200 ml of water would have been enough. The taste was still good but it was more like a soup or stew. Next time I will use a lot less water.
We’re sorry to hear you weren’t a huge fan of the chili mac, Hanna. We hope you get the chance to try some other recipes and enjoy them!
Oh my! This sounds like dinner tonight! I had just picked up a block of tempeh but hadn’t decided what to do with it. The current cold snap demands comfort food and this is exactly what I am craving!
Lovely, enjoy Sylvia!
Looks perfect for rainy days like this, I can’t wait to make it!
Hope you enjoy this recipe, Jenny!
Double batch made plenty for our large family gathering, made it gluten free & everyone loved this flavorful comfort dish. I’ll definitely make again. Thank you!
Lori, So glad to hear everyone loved this recipe!
Great recipe! When I first tasted it I was worried she was wrong about using so much onion but then I added the sour cream and realized, she knows what she’s talking about! Lol. Wonderful! Super tasty, simple enough, and makes a good amount. Thank you for this amazing recipe! I used red lentil pasta so it’s packed with plant based protein :D
Glad you were able to trust the process, Alyssa! And we’re delighted to hear you’re such a fan of the recipe!
A fantastic and easy cold weather cozy meal by @rainbowplantlife .
Doubled it and used Beyond Meat instead of Tempeh. Skipped mushrooms as guest doesn’t like them. My guests were full and happy!
#rainbowplantlife
Thanks for sharing, Deanne! Using beyond meat was probably such a tasty substitution :)
Absolutely love this one! It makes a bunch, which is great for meal prep and is always a hit even amongst my non-vegan/vegetarian friends! I use Beyond Meat instead of tempeh (still not sure how I feel about it) and still super good and filling!
We’re delighted you’re such a fan of the chili mac, Erin! Also so great to learn it’s loved by vegans and non-vegans alike :)
This chili mac was a crowd pleaser in our family—which includes 6, 5 & 3 year olds. I topped the bowls with homemade vegan sour cream, cilantro, lime & pickled onions (<these take the chili max to the next level!! crunchy, sour, acidic-yum!!). I will be adding this to our rotation of weekly meals for sure!
Sarah, So glad to hear you loved this recipe!
Really good weeknight dinner. Even the non -vegans raved about it. Thanks for another great recipe!
Awesome, C.S. Thanks for your comment and for taking the time to review!
Delicious and affordable! Thank you from a college student
Awesome, Zoe. Thanks for your comment and for taking the time to review!
Thank you so much. My kids absolutely enjoyed this recipe. I ommitted the mushrooms and tempeh. And had to use pinto beans instead of kidney beans. I did add cheese. But it still came out wonderful.
Thanks for sharing, Kia! We are delighted the recipe was a hit!
Hi this looks delicious!! As allergic to onions garlic what would you suggest in place of them please? I have a hard time getting a good flavor base that doesn’t taste so bland..you know …great spices but the base is bland? Hoping you have suggestions ? Take care!
Hi JJ, have you tried Asafoetida? You can learn more about it here, but it may be what you’re looking for!