Vegan Cincinnati Chili

If you’re looking for a creative spin on pasta, Cincinnati Chili is it! It’s traditionally served with spaghetti, but any shape noodle will work. Bonus, the chili can be used for other applications as well, like topping vegan hot dogs or baked potatoes.

Ingredient notes & substitutions

Obviously, traditional meat based Cincinnati-style chili isn’t going to work on a plant based diet, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have the same flavors and textures. In this version, I used chickpeas and walnuts pulsed in a food processor to resemble the size and texture of ground meat. Seasoned in much the same way as the original recipe, it looks and tastes nearly the same.

Protein – The chickpea walnut mixture used in this dish lends the perfect texture to resemble ground meat. You could also try crumbled tempeh or store-bought alternatives, like Beyond Beef or Gardein Beefless Ground.

Cocoa Powder – A square or two of dark chocolate (preferably bittersweet, but semi-sweet could work also) can be used instead. Double check the ingredients to ensure it’s dairy-free. Add it when you add the tomato sauce and broth and let it melt slowly.

Dark coffee (½ to 1 cup) or a shot of espresso would also be a good option for the same depth of flavor. You can add it to the skillet when you add the spices.

Spaghetti – Any noodle shape will technically work. Use gluten free, if desired.

If you love pasta with hearty, filling sauces, try my Cauliflower Bolognese, Chickpea Walnut Vegan Bolognese, or Lentil Mushroom Bolognese.

And don’t miss my cheesy Vegan Chili Mac if you love chili with pasta!

Oil – If you’re oil-free, leave out the oil and sauté with ¼ cup water or broth instead.

Garnishes – Feel free to top it off any way you like. Some options not listed in the recipe are crushed tortilla chips, corn chips, black beans, green onions, vegan sour cream, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, etc.

Make the sauce while the spaghetti noodles are cooking and everything should be done at the same time.

Using a food processor is best for getting the perfect crumbled consistency for the walnuts and chickpeas. If you don’t have one, you can finely chop them with a chef’s knife. A pastry cutter may also work. Don’t be tempted to use a potato masher on the chickpeas…you want a firm crumbled texture, not soft and mushy.

I find a large, deep skillet works best to cook a sauce like this. You could also just use a big pot.

You won’t find most Cincinnati chili recipes served in a bowl. They are generally served on a plate with a fork as there are long noodles involved.

I find the very best bowls for such recipes ~ thick, yet saucy ~ to be flat bowls. They have the best of both worlds…a flat bottom and also a wide lip around the edge to keep everything contained. The beautiful white flat bowl above is from (affiliate link) Off Your Rocker Pottery. Each one is handmade and is dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe! Plus, they come with buffed bottoms, so they won’t scratch your table! Use my referral code, VeggieIns, for 15% off your order!

You’ll likely want to serve this chili with pasta, as intended.

Toppings can be any usual chili toppings you like. Typical Chili 5-Way is served with noodles, shredded cheese, diced white onion, and beans.

You don’t need to worry about side dishes with this recipe as there is already a lot going on, but if you must a simple green salad would be a nice accompaniment.

Storage and freezing

Fridge: I recommend storing leftovers of the pasta and chili in separate containers so the noodles don’t soak up the sauce and get mushy. Store both in the fridge in air-tight containers for 3 to 4 days.

Freezer: You can also freeze the sauce. Freeze it in air-tight freezer-safe containers or plastic bags for up to 6 months.

Pro tips for success

~ Double up the sauce recipe and use leftovers to serve over vegan hot dogs, baked potatoes, French fries, or tortilla chips. You could also use it as a filling for enchiladas, burritos, stuffed peppers, or lasagna. Or simply eat it as chili with a spoon.

~ Use any noodles you have on hand ~ macaroni, rotini, and penne would all be good choices. You could even use it as a filling in stuffed shells.

~ Be sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder.

~ If you have a sensitive palate, start with less chili powder, cocoa powder and cinnamon, and add more to your liking.

~ As with any recipe, taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.

FAQs

More vegan chili recipes

• Pumpkin Lentil Chili
• Beanless Garden Veggie Chili
• Vegan White Chili
• Slow Cooker Black Bean Chili
• Black Bean Quinoa Chili
• Meatless Taco Chili
• Vegan Chorizo Chili