Hearty & Easy Vegan Chili Mac: Your Ultimate One-Pot Comfort Meal for Fall

Discover the ultimate comfort food for cozy evenings and efficient fall meal prep: a rich and chunky Vegan Chili Mac, packed with two kinds of wholesome beans, your favorite noodles, and an abundance of fresh vegetables. This easy one-pot recipe is designed to nourish your body and soul.

There’s something uniquely nostalgic about chili mac. Growing up, my mom had a secret ingredient that always elevated her chili: a generous addition of macaroni noodles. This culinary tradition created a dish that was both comforting and satisfying, a perfect marriage of robust chili flavors and the tender embrace of pasta. The velvety noodles beautifully complemented the rich, buttery beans and vibrant vegetables, all bathed in a deeply flavorful tomato broth.

As I ventured out on my own, I noticed that this delightful combination wasn’t as common in the chilis I encountered elsewhere. It was a revelation I cherished, and one I felt compelled to reintroduce, especially as the crisp air of fall signals the start of soup, stew, and chili season. That’s why I’m thrilled to bring you my ultimate favorite iteration: this incredible Vegan Chili Mac.

When I first introduced the concept of adding noodles to chili to my partner, M, he looked mildly confused. But one spoonful was all it took to convert him. Here at F&V, we have a deep appreciation for thick, chunky chilis, and this Vegan Chili Mac truly delivers. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish that combines the best of both worlds: the robust, spicy notes of a classic chili and the comforting texture of macaroni and cheese.

Our Vegan Chili Mac recipe is a celebration of plant-based goodness. It features a rich blend of two types of nutritious beans, your preferred pasta, and a colorful medley of fresh vegetables. What makes this recipe truly special is its incredible versatility. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients and easily omit anything you don’t love. It’s a wonderfully adaptable meal that caters to your taste and dietary preferences.

This chunky, flavorful chili is not only perfect for a warm and cozy dinner but also an excellent choice for fall meal prep. Imagine having ready-to-eat portions throughout the week, easily reheated and topped with your favorite garnishes. It truly gets better with time, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen, making it an ideal candidate for batch cooking.

Essential Ingredients for the Best Vegan Chili Mac

Crafting this delicious one-pot Vegan Chili Mac requires a simple yet powerful list of ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. Each component plays a crucial role in building the robust flavor profile and satisfying texture of this hearty dish. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

• Avocado Oil: A healthy fat for sautéing, providing a neutral base that allows other flavors to shine. You can also use olive oil or water/vegetable broth for oil-free cooking.
• Onion: The aromatic foundation of our chili, adding a sweet and savory depth. Diced finely, it practically melts into the sauce.
• Garlic Powder: For that essential pungent garlic flavor without the fuss of mincing fresh cloves. Feel free to use 2-3 cloves of minced fresh garlic if preferred.
• Bell Peppers: Any color works beautifully here, adding sweetness, a slight crunch, and a vibrant visual appeal. They’re also packed with vitamins.
• Zucchini: A fantastic way to boost the vegetable content, zucchini adds moisture and a subtle sweetness without overpowering the chili. It blends seamlessly into the chunky texture.
• Chili Powder: The star spice, delivering that classic chili flavor. Adjust the amount to control the heat level.
• Cumin: Earthy and warm, cumin is indispensable for authentic chili taste.
• Oregano: Adds a delightful herbaceous note that complements the other spices.
• Paprika: Provides a mild, sweet, and smoky depth of flavor and a beautiful reddish hue.
• Eden Foods Organic Kidney Beans (15-oz. can): These dark red kidney beans are firm yet tender, adding substance and a slightly sweet, earthy flavor. Their organic quality ensures pure taste.
• Eden Foods Organic Black Beans (15-oz. can): Black beans offer a creamy texture and rich, robust flavor that perfectly complements the kidney beans. Also organic and of excellent quality.
• Diced Tomatoes (28-oz. can): The base of our flavorful broth, providing acidity, sweetness, and chunky texture.
• Low Sodium Vegetable Broth: Essential for liquid, providing an umami-rich foundation for the chili. Using low sodium allows you to control the salt content precisely.
• Filtered Water: Helps achieve the desired consistency and ensures all ingredients cook perfectly.
• Your Favorite Pasta (2 1/2 cups): The “mac” in chili mac! Macaroni, ditalini, small shells, or even gluten-free pasta varieties work wonderfully. Choose a shape that can hold up to the hearty chili sauce.
• Himalayan Sea Salt: To season the chili to perfection, enhancing all the individual flavors.

That’s it! With these simple ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating a deeply satisfying and wholesome plant-based meal that the whole family will love.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Vegan Chili Mac

One of the many charms of this Vegan Chili Mac is its incredible ease of preparation. It’s a true one-pot wonder, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your delicious creation. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time:

1. Sauté Aromatics: Begin by adding the avocado oil to a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven and place it over medium heat. Once the oil is warm and shimmering, add the diced onion. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and beautifully fragrant, filling your kitchen with a delightful aroma.
2. Add Vegetables and Spices: Next, introduce the garlic powder, diced bell peppers, and zucchini to the pot. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly and their flavors to meld. Then, it’s time for the spices! Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, and Himalayan sea salt. Stir everything thoroughly to coat the vegetables evenly. Let the spices toast for about 1 minute, which helps to release their full aromatic potential and deepens the flavor of the chili.
3. Build the Chili Base: Pour in the two cans of beans (kidney and black beans), the diced tomatoes (undrained), low sodium vegetable broth, and filtered water. Give everything a good stir to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
4. Cook the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add your favorite pasta and a final pinch of Himalayan sea salt. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot partially, and let the chili cook for approximately 10 minutes, or until the pasta is fork-tender. Cooking time will vary depending on the type and size of pasta you use.
5. Prevent Overcooking: As soon as the pasta reaches your desired tenderness, remove the pot from the heat immediately. This crucial step prevents the noodles from becoming overly soft or mushy, ensuring they retain their perfect texture within the chili.

Pro Tip for Pasta Perfection: The exact cooking time for your chili will largely depend on your chosen pasta. For this recipe, I often opt for rice noodles, which typically cook faster than legume-based or traditional wheat pasta. Always refer to the cooking instructions on your pasta package as a guideline. More importantly, taste test your noodles frequently during the simmering process to achieve that ideal al dente or fork-tender consistency. Nobody likes overcooked pasta!

The Unbeatable Quality of Eden Foods Organic Beans

When it comes to building a truly exceptional chili, the quality of your beans makes all the difference. That’s why my pantry is *always* stocked with Eden Foods beans. For this Vegan Chili Mac, I specifically chose two of my absolute favorites: Eden Foods Organic Kidney Beans and Eden Foods Organic Black Beans.

Eden Foods stands out for its unwavering commitment to quality and purity. Both their kidney and black beans undergo a meticulous process: they are soaked overnight and then pressure cooked to perfection at Eden Foods’ certified organic, kosher cannery. What truly sets them apart is their dedication to clean ingredients – you’ll find zero chemical additives in their products. Furthermore, these beans are canned in BPA, BPS, and phthalate-free cans, and most importantly, with absolutely no added salt.

The absence of added salt is a game-changer for homemade dishes. It means you get to experience the pure, unadulterated buttery, sweet, and earthy flavor of the beans without it being masked by excessive sodium. This gives you complete control over the seasoning of your chili, allowing you to add salt exactly to your preference. It’s a small detail that makes a huge impact on the overall taste profile of your dish.

While any variety of Eden Foods beans would be delicious in this chili, I find that the combination of their Organic Kidney Beans and Organic Black Beans creates a perfect textural and flavor harmony. The hearty kidney beans provide a robust texture, while the black beans offer a creamy counterpoint. Of course, this recipe is highly adaptable – feel free to use two cans of black beans, two cans of kidney beans, or any other bean combination that strikes your fancy!

Delicious Toppings & Serving Ideas for Vegan Chili Mac

Serving your Vegan Chili Mac warm is just the beginning! This hearty dish truly shines with a medley of fresh and flavorful toppings that add extra texture, creaminess, and a burst of freshness. Think of them as the perfect flourish to an already fantastic meal. Here are some of my top recommendations for elevating your chili mac experience:

• Avocado: Sliced or diced avocado adds a rich, creamy texture and a healthy dose of good fats. Its mild flavor is a perfect contrast to the robust chili.
• Vegan Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of your favorite vegan shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack style) melts beautifully into the warm chili, adding a familiar cheesy comfort.
• Vegan Yogurt or Sour Cream: A dollop of plain vegan yogurt or vegan sour cream provides a cool, tangy counterpoint that cuts through the richness of the chili. It’s incredibly refreshing!
• Fresh Green Onions (Scallions): Finely sliced green onions add a mild, crisp oniony bite and a pop of vibrant color.
• Fresh Cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro is a classic chili topping, offering a bright, herbaceous flavor that complements the spices.
• Jalapeño Slices: For those who love an extra kick, thinly sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños can add a pleasant heat.
• Tortilla Chips or Cornbread Croutons: Crushed tortilla chips or small cubes of toasted cornbread croutons add a delightful crunch and extra texture.

Each of these toppings brings something unique to the bowl, allowing you to customize your Vegan Chili Mac exactly to your liking. Don’t be afraid to mix and match!

Mastering Meal Prep with Vegan Chili Mac

Just like many classic chili recipes, this Vegan Chili Mac is an absolute superstar when it comes to meal prep. In fact, it possesses a magical quality: it truly tastes better and better with each passing day as the flavors have more time to deepen and meld. This makes it an ideal candidate for cooking a large batch on the weekend and enjoying it throughout the busy week.

To store your leftovers, simply transfer the cooled chili mac into airtight containers and refrigerate them for up to one week. When you’re ready to enjoy a warm and hearty meal, you can easily reheat portions in the microwave or gently warm them on the stovetop until heated through.

A Note on Noodle Texture for Meal Prep: It’s important to be aware that the pasta in your chili may continue to soften and absorb liquid over the course of the week, especially if you reheat large portions multiple times. While this won’t impact the incredible flavor of the chili at all, if you prefer your noodles to remain perfectly intact and firm, here’s a tip:

• Only reheat the exact amount you plan to eat for that particular serving. Avoid repeatedly heating and cooling the entire batch, as this can accelerate the softening process of the noodles.
• Alternatively, if you’re making a very large batch for the week and are particular about noodle texture, you could cook the pasta separately and add it to individual portions of chili as you reheat them. However, for most, the convenience of the one-pot method and slight noodle softening is perfectly acceptable and still incredibly delicious.

Remember, if you’re incorporating any of the wonderful toppings, always keep them separate from the chili during storage. Add fresh toppings just before serving to ensure maximum freshness, texture, and visual appeal. This thoughtful approach to meal prepping ensures that every bowl of Vegan Chili Mac you enjoy is as delightful as the first!

Creative Ways to Serve Your Vegan Chili Mac

This Vegan Chili Mac is more than just a meal; it’s a versatile dish that fits perfectly into various dining scenarios and easily becomes a go-to for comfort and convenience. As the colder weather rapidly approaches, enjoy it as a deeply satisfying and hearty soup that warms you from the inside out.

One of the aspects I absolutely adore about this chili is its self-sufficiency. Unlike many chilis that often require pairing with rice or other grains to feel complete, the macaroni noodles in this recipe beautifully serve as your healthy carbohydrates right in the bowl! It’s a complete meal on its own, packed with protein from the beans, fiber, and essential nutrients from the vegetables.

As with many chili and stew recipes, this soup is arguably even better after it has had a day or two to sit in the refrigerator. This allows all the vibrant flavors to meld and deepen, creating an even richer and more complex taste profile. Try making a large pot on Sunday, and you’ll have quick, cozy, and flavorful lunches or dinners ready to reheat throughout your busy week.

Beyond everyday meals, this Vegan Chili Mac is also perfect for a variety of occasions:

• Game Night: A crowd-pleaser that’s easy to serve and enjoy while cheering on your favorite team.
• Family Dinner: A wholesome and hearty meal that appeals to both adults and children, often inspiring requests for seconds.
• A Cozy Stay-at-Home Date Night: Simple to prepare, allowing more quality time together, and utterly comforting.
• Any Night of the Week: Its ease of preparation makes it a stress-free option for a nutritious dinner on even the busiest evenings.

For an extra touch of comfort and flavor, I think this chili would be absolutely delicious paired with warm, fluffy cornbread or individual cornbread muffins. The slight sweetness and crumbly texture of cornbread provide a wonderful contrast to the savory, chunky chili. Alternatively, a simple side salad could offer a fresh, light balance.

However you choose to enjoy it, this Vegan Chili Mac promises to be a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying addition to your recipe rotation. Enjoy every single hearty spoonful!

Explore More Vegan Chili Recipes

If you loved this hearty Vegan Chili Mac, you’re in for a treat! Chili is one of the most versatile and comforting dishes, and the plant-based world offers endless delicious variations. Expand your chili repertoire with these other fantastic vegan chili recipes:

• Spicy Tempeh Bell Pepper Chili

  For those who love a bit of heat and a protein-packed meal, this chili combines savory tempeh with vibrant bell peppers for a satisfying and flavorful kick.

• “Clean Out The Fridge” Vegetable Chili

  A brilliant recipe for minimizing food waste and maximizing flavor! Use whatever vegetables you have on hand to create a unique and hearty chili every time.

• Black Bean Quinoa Chili

  This chili is a powerhouse of nutrition, featuring the earthy goodness of black beans and the added protein and texture of quinoa. It’s wonderfully wholesome and filling.

• Vegan Chocolate Chili

  An intriguing twist on classic chili, this recipe incorporates a touch of dark chocolate to add a rich, complex depth to the savory flavors. Don’t knock it ’til you try it!

I Want to Hear From You!

If you give this delicious Vegan Chili Mac recipe a try, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Your feedback is invaluable and truly helps me create more amazing plant-based recipes for you to enjoy.

Please be sure to leave me a comment, a star rating, and a review below to share your thoughts, any modifications you made, or simply how much you loved it.

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XO Lauren