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Meatless Quinoa Chili Recipe (Vegetarian)

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Jessica Pinney Avatar

Author

Jessica Pinney

Published

Oct. 17, 2016

Updated

Mar. 7, 2024
Overhead a dutch oven for that's filled with meatless chili. A metal ladle holds up a scoop of it so you can see the individual beans, tomato, corn, and quinoa.

Janette and I spend most of our week on a high protein diet. This inevitably means eating a lot of meat. I’m a proud carnivore, but I don’t like eating meat for every single meal.

I have a few go-to, healthy meatless recipes like this that give up meat without sacrificing flavor. Seriously, it’s so savory that most people don’t even realize it’s vegetarian at first.

Two bowls of meatless quinoa chili sit on a wood background. The bowls of chili have been garnished with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and some chopped avocado. Text at the top reads "meatless quinoa chili".

In our house, when I make this, it signals the official start of Fall. I look forward to it every year!

Close up view of meatless quinoa chili showing the individual ingredients like red beans, black beans, corn, diced onions, tomato, and peppers.

One of my favorite parts of this quinoa chili is how well it reheats. I don’t know about you, but I have a super busy Fall. Recipes that I can make in big batches and heat up as needed are a godsend. It also travels well, so you can easily take it to work or school for lunch. Maybe even bring it tailgating if you are looking for a healthier option?

Between the corn, beans, and quinoa, this chili seriously fills you up. My eyes are often bigger than my stomach and I fill up my bowl a little too much. Half-way through, I’m astonished at how full I am from a vegetarian meal!

Close up of a bowl of meatless quinoa chilli topped with sour cream, avocado, and shredded cheddar cheese

I like to top my bowl with avocado, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. You can also add tortilla strips or chips for added crunch, or pico de gallo for even more tomato and onion flavor.

Do you have any favorite chili toppings? Or any recipes you can’t wait to make when it turns Fall? Let us know so that we can all enjoy!


This post contains affiliate links (when you buy we make a little money at no cost to you). See our disclosure for more information.

Vegetarian Meatless Quinoa Chili Recipe

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Meatless Quinoa Chili Recipe (Vegetarian)

This quinoa chili recipe is so savory, no one every believesit is meatless! Can be easily reheated for meal prep.
5 from 3 votes
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This Meatless Quinoa Chili recipe is so savory, most people don't even realize it's vegetarian!
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Cook Time: 40 minutes mins
Total Time: 50 minutes mins
Servings: 6 -8

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked quinoa
  • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes
  • 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
  • 2 cups broth
  • 1 7 oz can diced green chiles
  • 2 1/2 Tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 15 oz cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen corn
  • Juice of 1 lime

Instructions

  • Add olive oil to a cast iron pot over medium-high heat. Wait until it is heated, then add the diced onions. Sautée until they are both tender and translucent, 3-5 minutes.
  • Add minced garlic and sautée 1 minute more.
  • Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, quinoa, broth, green chilis, chili powder, cumin, cocoa, paprika, sugar, coriander, and cayenne pepper.
  • Stir, then bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 30 minutes.
  • Uncover and add all beans, corn, and lime. Stir and cook and until heated through.
  • Top individual servings with sour cream, diced avocado, and shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Calories: 303kcal (15%)
Author: Jessica Pinney
Did you make this recipe?Please tag @cookingwithjanica on Instagram! We’d love to see!
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Recipe Rating




7 responses

  1. Elaine @ Dishes Delish
    October 24, 2016

    This looks so good! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  2. Amanda Mason
    October 30, 2016

    5 stars
    This looks fabulous! I love a good meatless chili, but you get so much protein from the beans and quinoa! I just printed this recipe out and I’m going to try it this week!

    Reply
  3. Jenna
    October 31, 2016

    Looks so yummy! I love meatless chili. It still feels as comforting as traditional chili but feels so much healthier for you.

    Reply
  4. Allison
    November 4, 2016

    This looks AH-MAZING. I love that it’s meatless what a great alternative to this comfort food recipe.

    Reply
  5. Ann
    October 15, 2019

    5 stars
    Simply obsessed with quinoa. I love even the word quinoa. And this is one of the tastiest healthy vegetarian recipes. Hearty, filling, full of flavor, and packed with nutritious ingredients. I make this on a regular basis. I think even meat lovers will love it (and probably won’t miss the beef). Sometimes I add carrots, celery, or zucchini to the dish. Tastes good. Have you ever tried to add them?

    Reply
  6. Gloria
    January 29, 2020

    5 stars
    We loved this recipe but it was too spicy for us. I will make it again and cut the chili powder in half and the cayenne down to 1/8 tsp. We will definitely make this again!

    Reply
  7. Ruby
    October 21, 2021

    I’m curious if this could be made in a crock-pot.

    Reply

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