Meaty Vegan TVP Chili

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Vegan TVP chili is a hearty and healthy recipe that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. This vegetarian chili recipe uses textured vegetable protein (TVP), which is a budget-friendly and high-protein meat alternative that gives this chili a meaty texture. Meal prep and freezer friendly!

Meaty Vegan TVP Chili

Okay, so let’s talk about this vegan TVP chili. I am convinced this is the perfect meal, and here is why.

First off, it’s healthy. This vegan chili is full of tomatoes, vegetables, beans, and TVP. Plus, it’s a great source of plant based protein! There is a whopping 28 grams of protein per serving.

Second, it’s easy and customizable. You literally just need to sauté some vegetables, then put the rest of the ingredients into the pot and simmer until everything is cooked. This chili has everything you want, and nothing you don’t – just sub out any ingredients you don’t like, or add in ingredients you do like.

It’s budget-friendly. This recipe is made with canned goods, TVP (which is very affordable compared to regular ground beef and vegan meat alternatives), and cheap fresh produce. I did some rough math and, assuming you already have the spices on hand, this entire batch of chili costs about $6 to make, which is about $1.20 per serving.

And last but not least, it’s meal prep and freezer friendly! I low key have a dream where my freezer is always stocked with meals and I never have to settle for hummus and crackers as a makeshift meal when I’m low on time ever again.

What is TVP?

Textured vegetable protein (TVP) is a dehydrated soy product that is used in vegan and vegetarian recipes to replace meat. When hydrated, it has a meaty texture similar to ground beef. TVP has no flavor on it’s own, but it acts as a sponge to absorb the flavors from spices and sauces very well.

I use the Bob’s Red Mill TVP, but any brand of TVP works in this recipe. Larger grocery stores might carry TVP in the health food or vegan section, but you can also buy it online. Anthony’s sells a huge bag of TVP on Amazon for a very reasonable price!

Ingredients for Vegan TVP Chili

• TVP (textured vegetable protein): I like the Bob’s Red Mill TVP but any brand of TVP will work
• Beans: I used black beans and kidney beans, but you can use whichever 2 cans of beans you’d like
• Diced or crushed tomatoes
• Vegetables: white onion, celery, carrots, and garlic
• Vegan beef flavored broth: I use the Better Than Bouillon No Beef Base but you could also use vegetable broth
• Spices: chili powder, ground cumin, onion powder, ground cayenne
• Salt + black pepper

How to make Vegan TVP Chili

In a large pot over medium heat, sauté the onion, celery, carrots until the onions are translucent. Then add the garlic and spices.

Then add in the dry TVP, black beans, kidney beans, tomatoes, and broth. Cover and simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked to your preference. Taste the chili and adjust the spices if needed.

Enjoy this chili on it’s own, or top it with vegan cheese, sour cream, green onions, and lime wedges!

More hearty vegan dinners

• Simple Vegan TVP Tacos
• Vegan TVP Meatballs
• Vegan Lentil “Meatloaf”
• Apple Sage Seitan Sausages
• BBQ Black Bean Veggie Burgers

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