Vegan Chili Recipe for Burgers & Dogs (2024)

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If you love carrot/veggie dogs and black bean burgers but miss topping them with chili, I think you’re about to do a happy dance! This quick Vegan Chili Recipe is simmered with spices and onions and can be made in minutes.

We love this chili because it’s…

  • So versatile
  • Great on chili cheese fries, carrot hotdogs, black bean burgers, and more
  • Busting with flavor
  • Hearty
  • Easy to make
  • Even fools meat-eaters

Before switching to a healthy whole food, plant-based diet(WFPB) and lifestyle, we used to eat a lot of artery-clogging burgers and hot dogs.

We also had a host of medical conditions including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, and joint pain.

Discovering how to make meatless chili for veggie burgers and dogs

For 35 years, I had made my homemade chili to top those burgers, hot dogs, and fries. It was a recipe I learned from my mom and grandmother, and it was so good.

Then, after four years of eating chili-less Black Bean Burgers, carrot dogs, and French fries, I decided to veganizedmy old recipe by replacing the ground beef with a grain called bulgur that is available at many grocery stores.

What is bulgur?

Bulguris a wholewheat grainthat is cooked exactlylike rice in about 15 minutes.(Follow package directions).

Vegan Chili Recipe for Burgers & Dogs (2)

I like to make a big batch of it andstore it in the freezerto use in recipes like tacos, stews, chili beans, no-meatloaf, etc. because bulgur adds aground beef textureand soaks up flavors of dish you’re preparing.

It’s so nice to be able to pull it out of the freezer already cooked and jump right into cooking the main dish.

For this chili recipe, you can use already cooked bulgur from your freezer or uncooked. Just reduce the cooking time if you decide to use cooked bulgur you already have on hand.

The recipe card at the bottom of the page has the full list of ingredients with measurements and instructions.

How to make vegan chili

In a saucepan, saute diced onions in approximately 3 Tbsp of the veggie broth. As they brown and begin to caramelize, add more veggie broth 1 Tbsp at a time. Allow to caramelize well.

Add all other chili ingredients including the bulgur, stir well, and simmer for approximately 15 minutes. Cover and turn off. Chili is basically done and ready to be eaten.

Vegan Chili Recipe for Burgers & Dogs (4)

*NOTE: If you already have pre-cooked bulgur (2 cups) in the freezer that you would like to use, simply omit the veggie broth/water except for about 1/2 a cup, and cook for only 5 minutes.

Vegan Chili Recipe for Burgers & Dogs (5)

Add to carrot dogs, veggie and black bean burgers, vegan chili cheese fries, or anything else you can think of.

Tips for making this vegan hotdog chili

  • I make big batches of bulgur in my rice steamer and freeze it to be used in recipes like this, along with tacos, lasagna, and chili fries. The great thing about having bulgur already cooked is that it cuts a step out of food preparation and speeds up the process of sitting down to dinner.
  • It’s so nice to be able to pull it out of the freezer and jump right into cooking the main dish.
  • This chili is the perfect topping for carrot dogs, which are my new love.
  • You’ve just GOT to try my homemade Vegan Cheese Sauce on your hot dogs and burgers too!
  • To make this gluten-free, try substituting Buckwheat Groats or cauliflower rice.

If you would like to make your own ketchup for this recipe, check out my 10-Minute Vegan Ketchup recipe.

*Originally published May 25, 2017

Made this on Monday and used no-salt added tomato sauce…it came out perfect! So delicious on carrot dogz.”–Chickavegan

Other recipes that use bulgur

  • Vegan Chili Cheese Fries
  • Black Bean Spinach Lasagna
  • Three Bean Crockpot Chili
  • Instant Pot Chili Recipe

For those of you new to the whole food plant-based lifestyle, we’ve created a FREE 7-Day Plant-Based Menu Planner to help you get started!

This post may contain affiliate links.Read my full disclosure here.

If you try this recipe, please let us know how you like it by rating it and leaving a comment. We love to hear from you!

Vegan Chili Recipe for Burgers & Dogs (8)

4.64 from 33 votes

Vegan Chili Recipe for Burgers & Veggie Dogs

If you love carrot/veggie dogs and burgers but miss topping them with chili, I think you're about to do a happy-dance! This quick Chili Vegan Recipe is simmered with spices and onions and can be made in minutes. Links to Vegan Chili Cheese Fries and Black Bean Burgers also included.

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 20 minutes mins

Total: 30 minutes mins

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Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

US Customary - Metric

  • 1/2 cup onion diced
  • 1/2 cup veggie broth (if using uncooked bulgur)*
  • 1 cup dry uncooked bulgur (or 2 cups cooked)*
  • 2 cups veggie broth or water
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon or worcestershire sauce without anchovies
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon season salt
  • pinch cayenne pepper (optional for spice)

Instructions

  • In saucepan, saute diced onions in approximately 3 Tbsp of the veggie broth. As they brown and begin to caramelize, add more veggie broth 1 Tbsp at a time. Allow to caramelize well.

  • Add all other chili ingredients, stir well, and simmer for approximately 10-15 minutes. Cover and turn heat down to warm or off. Chili is basically done and ready to be eaten.

  • *NOTE: If you already have pre-cooked bulgur (2 cups) in the freezer that you would like to use, simply omit the veggie broth/water except for about 1/2 a cup, and cook for only 5 minutes.

  • Add to carrot dogs, veggie and black bean burgers, vegan chili cheese fries, or anything else you can think of. Black bean burger and vegan chili cheese fries recipe links below.

Video

Notes

Detailed instructions, in-process photos, and my personal helpful tips can be found in the article above.

  • I make big batches ofbulgurin myrice steamerandfreeze it to be used in recipeslike this, along with tacos,lasagna, andchili fries. The great thing about having bulgur already cooked is that it cuts a step out of food preparation and speeds up the process of sitting down to dinner.
  • It’s so nice to be able to pull it out of the freezer and jump right into cooking the main dish.
  • This chili is the perfect topping forcarrot dogs, which are my new love.
  • You’ve just GOT to try my homemadeVegan Cheese Sauceon your hot dogs and burgers too!
  • To make this gluten-free,try substitutingBuckwheat Groatsor cauliflower rice.

Nutrition

Calories: 132kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 1g | Fiber: 5g

Disclaimer

To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

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About Terri Edwards

Hi guys! I am the content creator behind EatPlant-Based and a licensed Food for Life instructor with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.I am passionate about sharing healthy recipes and tips to empower others to get healthy. I’m so glad you’re here! Read More…

Vegan Chili Recipe for Burgers & Dogs (2024)

FAQs

What's the difference between chili dog chili and regular chili? ›

What's the difference between hot dog chili and regular chili? Hot dog chili is much thicker than soup chili. It also usually doesn't contain beans. The meat in hot dog chili is also very finely ground whereas in soup chili, it is chunkier.

Should chili be soupy or thick? ›

Traditionally, we expect a robust, spicy base, meat and/or beans, perhaps some bonus veggies, and a thick, rich consistency. Unlike soups, which are brothy, or even bisques, which are creamy yet thinner, chili is meant to be more stew-like; it's a definite stick-to-your-ribs creation.

How do you make canned chili taste better for chili dogs? ›

From amping up the taste to elevating the dish with a luxurious texture, here are fourteen ways to add more flavor to canned chili.
  1. Meat (or mushrooms) Elena Eryomenko/Shutterstock. ...
  2. Fresh herbs and vegetables. j.chizhe/Shutterstock. ...
  3. Chiles. ...
  4. Toasted spices. ...
  5. Cocoa powder. ...
  6. Smoked paprika. ...
  7. Booze. ...
  8. Pickle brine.
Feb 23, 2023

What can I add to chili to make it more soupy? ›

Add more water or tomato sauce if it's too thick. Keeping the lid on can keep the steam in resulting in thinner chili. Also, if I cook chili in the crock pot it is usually thinner, as the lid collects the steam rather than it evaporating.

What kind of chili is best for chili dogs? ›

A smoother chili sauce with fine “grains” of ground beef / beef mince, rather than chunks like bolognese or chili con carne, works best for chili dogs.

How do you thicken vegan chili? ›

You can use polenta, arrowroot powder (a gluten-free vegetable root flour), or masa harina as a thickening agent if you don't have cornmeal. In Latin American cooking, chefs use masa harina—a type of cornflour—to make tamales and tortillas.

What is the best thickener for chili? ›

The good news is there are lots of easy ways to thicken up your chili with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry— flour, cornmeal, pureed beans, cornstarch, or even crushed tortilla chips will help do the job, along with some good old extra simmering time.

Why do you put cornmeal in chili? ›

Cornmeal does an excellent job of absorbing extra liquids so adding a tablespoon of it to the chili will thicken the final dish. Mix 2 parts of cold water and 1 part of cornmeal, make it a slurry, and add this to the pot. Allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes after you add the slurry.

What gives chili more flavor? ›

Elevate with Extra Flavor

Elevate your chili recipe by adding an extra layer of flavor. Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight.

What seasoning is best for canned chili? ›

Although canned chili will already have some seasonings, fresh herbs and spices will add bolder flavor. You can upgrade your chili using ingredients you likely already have on your spice rack, such as chili powder, ground cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.

Do you put mayo on a chili dog? ›

To assemble each hot dog, place on a potato roll then top with 1/4 cup prepared chili, 1 T diced onion, 1 T diced tomato, 1 Oz. shredded cheese, and a squirt of mayonnaise.

What is the secret to making good chili? ›

A cup of strong, brewed coffee will work wonders for your pot of chili, imparting a deep, roasted flavor that will make the chili taste like it simmered away all day long. For maximum flavor, reduce the coffee along with a blend of tomato paste, aromatic veggies and spices like we do in our Spicy Vegetarian Chili.

What is the best liquid base for chili? ›

Either beef broth or chicken broth will be perfect here for the liquid in this chili. Low-sodium broth can work in a pinch if that's what you have on hand – just add a bit more salt to balance everything out.

What are the best beans for chili? ›

The best beans for chili are pinto, kidney, and black beans, like in this easy and tasty recipe. This 3-bean chili freezes great for meals later in the week. If you prefer thinner chili, add an extra can of tomato sauce. The green chiles are not hot and add a wonderful flavor, so don't be afraid to use them.

What's the difference between hot dog chili sauce and chili? ›

So what's the diff? Hot dog chili tends to be less chunky, bean-free, and more like a puree (mmmmm… pureed meat). If you like the sort of chili that comes out of a dispenser at 7-Eleven, you'll like the best canned chili for hot dogs, too.

What's the difference between chili and hot dog sauce? ›

There's a bit of a discrepancy as to what makes chili for a hotdog different from the regular chili you eat from a bowl. According to cooking blog, The Country Cook, hotdog chili is thicker than regular chili and uses tomato paste. The blogger also defines hot dog sauce as just a little thinner than hot dog chili.

Can dogs eat regular chili? ›

The answer is simply no. Sharing your food with pets, especially spicy foods, may cause more problems than you may realize. Spicy foods can be toxic for dogs and could cause stomach problems including pain, diarrhea, and gas. Spicy food can also cause excessive thirst, causing your dog to vomit.

What's the difference between a chili dog and a coney? ›

A chili dog is usually any type of hot dog in a bun topped with chili that has beans in it. A coney dog is specifically a beef frankfurter topped with an all-meat sauce made with a number of spices and no beans!

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