Vegetarian Chili Mac

Name: Vegetarian Chili Mac
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained; 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup vegetable broth; 1 cup water; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 2 cups elbow macaroni; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; Salt and black pepper to taste

Author: Tessa

Published: September 12, 2025

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Vegetarian Chili Mac has been my go-to recipe on countless busy weeknights, and for good reason! There’s something incredibly satisfying about a hearty, flavorful meal that comes together in just one pot, especially when it’s packed with wholesome ingredients and leaves everyone at the table feeling happy and full. I remember the first time I truly embraced one-pot wonders; it was a revelation for my hectic schedule, and I’ve been hooked on creating easy, delicious recipes ever since.

This dish is the epitome of comfort food, blending the spicy warmth of chili with the creamy goodness of macaroni and cheese, all without any meat. It’s truly a game-changer for anyone looking for a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to incorporate more meat-free meals into your routine, this recipe is designed to be accessible, flavorful, and a true crowd-pleaser. I’m so excited for you to try it!

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Why You’ll Love This Vegetarian Chili Mac

This vegetarian chili mac isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl! You’ll absolutely adore it because:

It’s incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
Everything cooks in one pot, meaning minimal cleanup (my favorite part!).
It’s packed with rich, savory flavor that truly satisfies.
It’s a hearty, wholesome meal that fits various dietary preferences.

The Comfort of Vegetarian Chili Mac

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of vegetarian chili mac to chase away the chill of a cold evening or soothe the soul after a long day. The creamy pasta, robust tomato sauce, and earthy beans create a symphony of textures and tastes. It’s wholesome comfort food at its very best, guaranteed to leave you feeling cozy and content.

Essential Ingredients for Your Vegetarian Chili Mac

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Creating this delicious vegetarian chili mac starts with gathering a few key players. You’ll need 1 tablespoon of good olive oil to get things going, along with one large onion, finely chopped. For the aromatic base, grab 2 cloves of garlic, minced, and for that pop of color and flavor, 1 red bell pepper and 1 green bell pepper, both chopped. The heart of our chili comes from 1 (14.5 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes and 1 (15 ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained. For protein and fiber, have ready 1 (15 ounce) can of kidney beans and 1 (15 ounce) can of black beans, both rinsed and drained. We’ll add liquid with 1 cup of vegetable broth and 1 cup of water. Finally, for that signature chili spice, prepare 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and if you like a little kick, 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. And of course, 2 cups of elbow macaroni and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese will bring it all together, seasoned with salt and black pepper to taste.

Pantry Staples for Vegetarian Chili Mac

One of the things I love most about this vegetarian chili mac is how many of the ingredients are probably already hanging out in your pantry! Canned tomatoes, various beans, olive oil, and common spices like chili powder and cumin are usually on hand. This makes whipping up a hearty meal on the fly incredibly easy and budget-friendly.

How to Prepare Your Vegetarian Chili Mac

Making this vegetarian chili mac is wonderfully straightforward, designed to get you a delicious meal with minimal fuss. We’re going to build layers of flavor right in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a hearty, satisfying dinner in no time. The key is to let each ingredient shine as it’s added, ensuring a rich and well-balanced final dish.

Getting Started with Vegetarian Chili Mac

First things first, grab your trusty large pot or Dutch oven and set it over medium heat. Add that tablespoon of olive oil, letting it shimmer gently. Now, toss in your chopped onion and let it cook down until it’s beautifully softened and translucent, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Next, stir in your minced garlic, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Keep cooking for another 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender-crisp but not mushy. This careful sautéing builds the aromatic foundation for our chili mac.

Building the Flavorful Vegetarian Chili Mac Base

Once your vegetables are looking good, it’s time to bring in the big flavors. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (undrained, please!), the rinsed and drained kidney beans, and black beans. Pour in the vegetable broth and water, then sprinkle in your chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and that optional cayenne pepper for a little heat. Give everything a good stir to combine all these wonderful ingredients. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, letting those spices really start to meld together.

Finishing Your One-Pot Vegetarian Chili Mac

With our chili base simmering beautifully, it’s time for the macaroni! Stir in the 2 cups of elbow macaroni, making sure it’s submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to medium-low, pop a lid on your pot, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent any sticking. Once the pasta is perfectly al dente, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s wonderfully melted and smooth. Finish by seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste, and get ready to enjoy!

Tips for the Best Vegetarian Chili Mac

Achieving the perfect vegetarian chili mac is all about a few key details. Don’t rush the initial sautéing of your aromatics; developing that base flavor makes all the difference. When adding the macaroni, make sure there’s enough liquid to cover it completely, but don’t drown it – you want a thick, rich sauce, not a soupy one. Stirring occasionally during the pasta cooking phase is crucial to prevent sticking, but avoid over-stirring, which can break down the pasta. And always, always taste and adjust your seasonings at the end. A pinch more salt, a dash more chili powder, or even a squeeze of lime can elevate the entire dish.

Customizing Your Vegetarian Chili Mac

Feel free to get creative with your vegetarian chili mac! You can easily swap out kidney beans for pinto or cannellini beans. For extra veggies, consider adding corn, diced zucchini, or even some spinach during the last few minutes of cooking. If you love heat, increase the cayenne or add a chopped jalapeño with the bell peppers. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro at the end also makes a lovely final touch!

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegetarian Chili Mac

I get a lot of questions about this vegetarian chili mac, and I’m happy to share my best advice to help you make it perfectly every time! Whether you’re curious about making it ahead, adapting it to your tastes, or what to serve alongside this hearty meal, I’ve got you covered.

Can I Make This Vegetarian Chili Mac Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! This vegetarian chili mac is fantastic for meal prep. You can cook the entire dish, let it cool completely, and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it up, as the pasta will absorb more liquid. Gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

What Are Good Sides for Vegetarian Chili Mac?

This vegetarian chili mac is a meal in itself, but a simple side can really round it out! I love serving it with a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of warm cornbread or garlic bread for dipping is also a classic and delicious pairing. For a little extra freshness, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top is always a welcome addition!

Nutritional Information for Vegetarian Chili Mac

Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Values can vary significantly based on specific brands of ingredients used, preparation methods, and exact portion sizes. This is intended as a general guide.

Share Your Vegetarian Chili Mac Creation!

I absolutely love hearing from you! If you whip up this vegetarian chili mac, please come back and leave a comment to let me know how it turned out. Don’t forget to give it a star rating! And if you share your delicious creation on social media, be sure to tag me – I can’t wait to see your amazing one-pot masterpiece!