An easy, delicious and protein-packed vegan chilli, great for batch-cooking and post-workout meals! And as a bonus, it's all made in one-pot, which means less washing up too.

Today I'm going back to basics and re-making an old favourite: Chilli Con Carne. A meat-free version, of course.
This recipe is also packed with plant-based protein (a whopping 25g protein per serving!) which will shut up any annoying people who ask "whErE dO yOu GeT yOuR pRoTeiN thOUgh??"
Featured in: 30 High Protein Vegan Recipes
Ingredients
For this chilli, you will need:
- Lentils - I use red split lentils, which require no soaking and cook quickly
- Kidney beans - or you can substitute black beans
- Soy mince - I use frozen soy mince which is really handy. If using dried mince, you may need to add some water with it, to rehydrate the mince.
- Chopped tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Peppers
- Celery
- Garlic
- Seasonings - Chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper to taste
- Balsamic vinegar
- Miso paste - or marmite, for depth of flavour.
- Fresh coriander

Recipe Tips
A few tips to get the best results from this recipe.
Cooking Shortcuts
If you want to make it extra easy, you can buy ready-prepared soffrito mixes at the supermarket, either in the fresh veg or frozen section.
This is a mixture of pre-chopped onion, celery and carrots which is the beginning of this recipe, and many others.
A very handy mixture to keep in the freezer for soups, veggie bolognese etc.
Bulk Cooking & Meal Prep
It's perfect for making a big portions in advance which you can freeze for up to 3 months or keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Plus, this pot is so ridiculously easy to clean, it makes the whole cooking process a breeze, including washing-up.

Video
📖 Recipe

Easy Vegan Chilli Sin Carne
An easy, delicious and meat-free chilli sin carne recipe that is perfect for making ahead and freezing. It's also packed full of plant-based protein, making it a great post-workout dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and finely chopped
- 2 red peppers, roughly chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 x 400 g / 14 oz tins of chopped tomatoes
- 1 x 400g / 14 oz tin red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 100 g / 3.5 oz split red lentils*
- 400 g / 14 oz frozen soy mince
- 250 ml / 1 cup vegetable stock
Optional add-ins
- 1 tsp miso paste
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- A large handful of fresh coriander, roughly chopped
To serve
- Basmati rice
- Extra chopped coriander
- A squeeze of lime juice
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan.
- Sauté the garlic, onion, celery, carrots and peppers for a few minutes, on a medium heat, until softened.
- Add the cumin, chilli powder, salt and pepper and stir.
- Pour in the chopped tomatoes, kidney beans, lentils, soy mince and vegetable stock. Add in the extra flavourings, if using.
- Simmer for 25 minutes.
- Serve with some steamed basmati rice, some fresh torn coriander and a squeeze of lime juice. Enjoy!
- Freezes well. Keeps for up to 4 days refrigerated.
Notes
Note: The only thing that stops this recipe from being gluten-free, is that most soy-mince brands I've seen tend to have barley in the ingredients. Other than that, it's gluten-free friendly!
*Make sure to use red split lentils, which require no soaking and cook quickly. Other lentils will require different cooking times and soaking requirements.
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Nutrition Information
Yield 6 Serving Size ⅙ portionsAmount Per Serving Calories 412Total Fat 17gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 59mgSodium 491mgCarbohydrates 37gFiber 8gSugar 9gProtein 27g
Penny says
I made this last night for dinner after someone (aka your mum Aimee) recommended it. I have to say it was delicious and so easy to make, the miso paste definitely enhances the flavour.
Sophie MacKenzie says
This dish looks so vibrant and fresh, Aimee!
Helen says
Looks amazing!!! Can't wait to try it, thanks for sharing
I just wanna make you aware of something.
The english translation of "chili con carne" is cili with meat. So the correct text for this recipe is what we call "chili sin carne" = chili without meat.
Aimee says
Hi Helen, thank you!! Yes, I'm aware of this and thought it might cause a bit of issue (as these things always do) but since this is a veggie version of the meaty-kind (not just beans and vegetables like a lot of vegan chillis) I wanted to link into that, especially for people searching for alternatives. I know it's contradictory though ;-) "Chilli sin carne" is kinda catchy though...
marian ryan says
Now that my daughter has left home and moved to Brighton (ahem Aimee), I'm having to learn how to cook all over again.
The simplicity of the video encouraged me to give this recipe a go and I was amazed at how quick and easy it was to prepare and cook. This dish is so delicious and satisfying. I made enough to freeze for another day.
Monica says
Love all the satisfying beans and lentils here in place of meat. I'd be thrilled to have this for lunch or dinner any day.