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Taco Chili – an easy, high protein, high fiber, full of flavor, meatless dish! Perfect for a weeknight meal, entertaining, or game day! Load it up with your favorite toppings and dig in!
Tacos – yum! Chili – yum! Taco Chili – double yum!!
Tacos and chili have a lot of the same spices and ingredients in common, so this was a natural combination. (Remember when I combined tacos and burgers in my awesome Taco Burger recipe?) I see a lot of taco soup recipes out there, but this dish is thick and hearty and definitely more of a chili than a soup.
Easy to customize the toppings to each individual taste and I even give you a gluten free option as well. With the BIG GAME coming up this weekend, this is a recipe you need to put on your menu!
Feed a Crowd
Chili is the perfect dish to feed a crowd. Make a big pot, set out all the toppings, and let everyone customize it to their liking. The big football game is this weekend and how delicious does a chili bar sound? And so easy too!
You can make this in advance, store in the fridge for a day or two, and then simply reheat when you’re ready to serve. You could even reheat this Taco Chili in a crockpot to keep it warm all day. This recipe easily serves 6-8 already, but feel free to double it up if you need more. Any leftovers will freeze beautifully.
High Protein, High Fiber
Not only is this Taco Chili an easy, fun dish for any occasion, but it’s super nutritious too! Full of healthy plant protein, hearty fiber, and lots of vitamins and minerals. Let’s take a look at what’s mingling in this bowl:
Two kinds of beans – black beans and kidney beans (pinto beans would work too)
Whole grain bulgur – mimicking the look and texture of ground meat, just like in my Meatless Stuffed Pepper Soup. Use quinoa for a gluten free option.
Lots of veggies – bell pepper, onion, tomatoes, and corn – the perfect combo for vegetarian tacos or chili…or in this case, both! Throw in a jalapeño if you like a little heat.
Fragrant and flavorful spices – chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, smoked paprika
All The Toppings
The toppings are what take this Taco Chili from delicious to “I want seconds!” I like wedges of lime to squeeze right over the top, chunks of avocado, lots of chopped cilantro, fresh diced tomatoes for a nice contrast from the canned, a big dollop of Creamy Cumin Ranch Dressing (try it, I promise you won’t regret it!), and of course, CHIPS! Corn chips or tortilla chips…or throw caution to the wind and use both! Use them to dip or simply crush them up and sprinkle on top. How would you top your vegan chili?
Meatless Taco Chili
I hope you love this Taco Chili as much as we do. Please give it a try and then come back to leave me a comment below with your feedback and star rating. You can also find me on social media. Be sure to tag @veggie_inspired and #veggieinspired so I’m sure to see it! Enjoy!
- 1 onion (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 cup bulgur (rinsed and drained) (or quinoa for a gluten free option)
- 1 tbsp Bragg Liquid Aminos (or tamari or soy sauce)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (divided)
- 1 15 oz can black beans (rinsed and drained) (or 1.5 cups cooked black beans)
- 1 15 oz can kidney beans (rinsed and drained) (or 1.5 cups cooked kidney beans) (Pinto beans would also work)
- 1 15 oz can no salt added diced tomatoes (or salsa!)
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 2 cups corn kernals
- lime
- avocado
- cilantro
- corn chips or tortilla chips
- Creamy Cumin Ranch Dressing
- vegan sour cream or unsweetened plain yogurt
- In a large soup pot, sauté the onion and red bell pepper over medium heat in 1/4 cup vegetable broth for 5-6 minutes until softened.
- Add the chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, bulgur and Bragg's liquid aminos. Stir well and sauté for 1 minute to infuse the bulgur and veggies with the spices.
- Add the remaining vegetable broth, black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Mix well. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn down the heat to medium low and simmer for 15 minutes until the bulgur is cooked through.
- Add the corn kernels and cook another 5 minutes to heat through.
- Serve hot with your choice of garnishes. Enjoy!
Bragg Liquid Aminos (or soy sauce) might seem like an odd addition to a tex-mex dish, but it gives depth of flavor and the end dish it won't taste like soy sauce - promise!
More Vegan Chili Recipes to Love:
Slow Cooker Black Bean Butternut Squash Chili
Courtney Ransom says
This taco chili is awesome! The toppings really make the dish, in my opinion. I thought this was so good that I added it to my list of “Best Recipe Ideas for a Vegan BBQ”!
http://cookwithcourt.com/the-best-recipe-ideas-for-a-vegan-bbq/
Jenn S. says
Thank you, Courtney! I’m so glad you loved it. Can’t wait to check out your post too!
Melissa says
In my Dutch oven as I type!! I can’t wait to try! Thank you for posting! Would’ve never have thought to add bulgur!
Jenn S. says
Awesome! I hope you love it! Let me know how it turns out.
Shannon says
This looks too good to be true, so incredibly excited to try this! Would this also work with either brown rice or farro? If I used one of those instead of the bulgar, would you suggest cooking separately and adding when the rice/farro is finished cooking? Thanks for all that you do! Just discovered your site and I can’t wait to give everything a try!
Jenn S. says
Hi, Shannon. I’m so glad you found me and I hope you find lots of recipes to love. For this chili, I think rice or farro would work just fine. The bulgur has kind of a ground meat like look to it, so you won’t have that, but taste-wise either one would be delicious. If you are using quick cook rice, you could add it straight to the pot. But, I think if you plant to use whole grain rice or farro (cook times could vary based on your variety of farro), it would be best to add it to the chili already cooked. Let me know how it turns out!
The Vegan 8 says
Chili is definitely in my top 5 foods to eat! There is nothing more comforting! This looks sooo good! Especially with all of those amazing toppings! I pretty much live on Mexican chili over here! Avocado is my favorite thing to add onto chili!
Jenn S. says
I agree! Avocado on chili is almost a must! And chips too. And pretty much everything else. LOL! It’s all about the toppings! 🙂 Thanks, Brandi!
Mel says
Chili is one of my favourite meals and I am loving all of those taco style toppings! it looks so good! Mine would be piled high ;O)
Jenn S. says
Chili without toppings is just not the same. Definitely load them on there!
Linda - Veganosity says
I’ll take tacos in any form. This chili sounds delicious, Jenn!
Jenn S. says
I agree. It’s always a good time for taco and/or taco flavors! Thanks, Linda!
Sophia | Veggies Don't Bite says
Chili has been going on over here lately too! Such a great cozy food and easy to individualize for every eater! Looks delish!
Jenn S. says
We definitely need cozy around here. Today it was 5 degrees with the windchill. Brrrrr! I’m coming for your pool when it’s done! 🙂
Melissa | Vegan Huggs says
This chili is calling my name! It looks so savory and comforting! Thank you for this fabulous recipe 🙂
Jenn S. says
Thank you! I hope you enjoy it!
Mary Ellen - VNutrition says
This looks delicious! Love that you added bulgur – such an underused healthy grain!
Jenn S. says
Thank you, Mary Ellen! You are right – very underused.
Becky Striepe says
Oh my gosh, this looks amazing. That creamy ranch on top makes it!
Jenn S. says
My family is beginning to think this ranch is the only condiment I know how to make. LOL! It just goes so well with everything! 🙂 Thanks, Becky!
Laura says
Ok I need that vegan ranch dressing in my life ASAP! This is the perfect meal to eat while watching the superbowl!
Jenn S. says
You do! It’s so good…I seriously put it on everything (and even lick it from the spoon!). The cumin and smoked paprika are very subtle, so it goes with everything, but definitely brings out the taco flavors when paired with those dishes! Let me know if you try it!
Jessica says
I’m a huge fan of veggie chili! And love the addition of bulgur – such an underutilized whole grain!
Jenn S. says
I agree! Thanks, Jessica!
Megan says
Meatless and Dairy Free! This is right up my ally! I cannot wait to try it out!
Jenn S. says
Awesome, Megan! Let me know what you think!
Running in a Skirt says
Anything Mexican flavored is good with me! This looks and sounds amazing!
Jenn S. says
I know, right?! Mexican is my favorite too!
Emily Kyle says
Meat or no meat, this chili looks absolute amazing! Its two of my favorite flavors together in one dish, can’t wait to try this version the next time I make chili!
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Emily! I hope you enjoy it!
Casey the College Celiac says
This looks like the perfect winter comfort food!
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Casey!
Sarah says
I love a hearty veggie chili and than using the leftovers in a million ways to have meals for the week! This looks so delicious and flavorful!
Jenn S. says
Yes! You are so right – chili leftovers can be transformed into lots of things! Enchiladas, tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas, chili mac, etc! Thanks, Sarah!
Taylor Kiser says
This looks so delicious! Looks so hearty even without having meat! And the combination of flavors is a sure winner!
Jenn S. says
Yes, super hearty! And the bulgur does resemble the texture of ground meat, so perfect for everyone! Thanks, Taylor!
Lindsay Cotter says
This meatless taco chili needs to be in my life! Looks so hearty and delicious! Just what I need to warm up with on a cold night like tonight! Thanks for including the gluten free options!
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Lindsay! It will definitely keep you warm and cozy! Enjoy!
Alisa Fleming says
This looks delicious and I love all taco-flavored dishes! The tortilla chips or strips on top would be a must in our home.
Jenn S. says
Oh yes, for sure! Tortilla chips are an addiction of mine – they MUST be present in our house at all times! 🙂
amanda -runtothefinish says
I love when I can surprise people with a vegetarian option that they really love and chili is such a great way to do it because it still feels hearty!
Jenn S. says
Exactly! It’s so hearty and will definitely fill anyone up. Plus with all the toppings, they probably won’t even notice. 🙂 Thanks, Amanda!
Platter Talk says
I’m not vegan but your meatless chili looks pretty darn good!
Jenn S. says
No need to be vegan to enjoy this hearty taco flavored chili! Thanks, Dan!
Jessy at The Life Jolie says
What a delicious meatless option. This would definitely make me feel better about all that unhealthy game day eating that I do while still enjoying all that great flavor!
Jenn S. says
HaHa, exactly! Gotta love game day eats! And it’s all about the balance! Thanks, Jessy!
Erren says
The perfect taco for any vegan!
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Erren! But not just for vegans, this is hearty enough that omnis will love it too.
Annie Standing says
Mmmm, mmm, mmm!! Tacos are my favourite thing in the world! Add them to chili and you’ve got me hook, line and sinker! This looks fabulous!
Jenn S. says
I’m with you! Can’t go wrong with tacos and taco flavors! Thanks, Annie!
Michelle Frank | Flipped-Out Food says
Chili with all the fixings is one of my favorite moves for potlucks and football parties. This version looks DELISH. Gorgeous photos!
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Michelle! Definitely perfect for potlucks too!