Name: Vegetarian Chili Mac Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 (15 oz) can black beans; 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 1½ cups elbow macaroni; 1 cup shredded cheese

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Vegetarian Chili Mac is the ultimate blend of cozy weeknight comfort and bold Tex-Mex flair, all cooked together in a single pot for maximum ease and flavor. Imagine tender elbow macaroni, smoky beans, colorful veggies, and melty cheese mingling in a tomato-rich chili sauce, ready in just about 25 minutes. It’s that magical meal that satisfies a pasta craving and a chili craving at the same time. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family or just craving a plant-based bowl of goodness, this Vegetarian Chili Mac delivers every time.

Vegetarian Chili Mac Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a mile-long shopping list to make Vegetarian Chili Mac, just a handful of bold basics that each bring something special to the table. Every ingredient plays a key role in building that classic, craveworthy chili mac flavor and unforgettable creamy, cheesy texture.

Olive Oil: Gives everything a luscious start and helps the veggies soften to perfection.
Onion: Builds a sweet, savory foundation that makes the chili base sing.
Garlic: Adds a punch of aromatic goodness that infuses the entire dish.
Bell Pepper: Brings bright color and a gentle sweetness that balances the spice.
Black Beans: The hearty, protein-rich core for a filling, satisfying texture.
Diced Tomatoes: Offer juicy tang and help make the sauce cozy and luscious.
Vegetable Broth: Creates enough sauciness for the pasta to soak up, while layering on umami flavor.
Elbow Macaroni: The cheerful bite-sized pasta that makes this a true chili mac classic.
Chili Powder: Lends gentle warmth and that signature chili flavor.
Cumin: Adds earthy depth that rounds out every spoonful.
Shredded Cheese: Creates the irresistible ooey-gooey finish everyone loves.
Salt and Pepper: For brightening and balancing all those full-bodied flavors.

How to Make Vegetarian Chili Mac

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies

Begin your Vegetarian Chili Mac by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper, and sauté for about 5 minutes. You’ll want to stir now and then, just until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. This easy step is the start of the dish’s amazing depth—you’ll instantly smell why it’s worth it!

Step 2: Add Beans, Tomatoes, Broth, Pasta, and Spices

Once your veggies look tender, it’s time to pour in the black beans (drained and rinsed), the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices), plus the vegetable broth, elbow macaroni, chili powder, and cumin. Give everything a good stir so the spices get evenly distributed. This is the colorful, hearty stage where your pot really starts to look like a meal.

Step 3: Simmer Until Pasta Is Tender

Raise the heat and bring the pot to a gentle boil. Then, lower the heat to a simmer and cover it up. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring a couple of times along the way. You’re aiming for pasta that’s perfectly tender but not mushy—the macaroni will soak up all those delicious chili flavors as it cooks!

Step 4: Stir in the Cheese

The final flourish: stir in your shredded cheese while the Vegetarian Chili Mac is still piping hot. The cheese will melt right in, turning everything creamy, rich, and impossible to resist. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and give it one last stir—you’re ready to dig in!

How to Serve Vegetarian Chili Mac

Garnishes

Take your Vegetarian Chili Mac to the next level with simple toppings. Try a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese, a little fresh cilantro or parsley, or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness. If you love a bit of spice, sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce add zesty flair. The right garnish makes every bowl feel extra special!

Side Dishes

This dish is already hearty, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad for some freshness or warm cornbread for even more comfort. Tortilla chips are perfect for scooping up cheesy bites and add a great crunch. Add a side of roasted veggies if you want even more color on your table.

Creative Ways to Present

For fun presentation, serve Vegetarian Chili Mac in individual ramekins or mugs for a cozy dinner party vibe. You can also layer it in a casserole dish with a final melt of cheese on top, then broil until bubbly for an ultra-indulgent version. For potlucks, try stuffing bell peppers with Vegetarian Chili Mac for a built-in edible bowl!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Vegetarian Chili Mac stores beautifully, making it a perfect meal prep option. Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it will stay delicious for up to 4 days—just reheat and enjoy for a quick, comforting lunch or dinner.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your Vegetarian Chili Mac, let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. For best results, leave off any extra garnishes until after reheating. The cheese keeps the pasta creamy, even after freezing.

Reheating

Reheat Vegetarian Chili Mac in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. If it seems a little thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it up and restore its creamy texture. Stir well and heat just until warmed through—then top with fresh garnish to serve!

FAQs

Can I make Vegetarian Chili Mac gluten free?

Absolutely! Just swap the regular elbow macaroni for your favorite gluten free pasta. Keep an eye on cook time since some gluten free pastas cook faster or softer. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten free.

What kind of cheese works best in this dish?

Sharp cheddar is classic for that rich, familiar flavor, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend all melt beautifully. For a dairy free option, use your favorite vegan shredded cheese—the result is still super creamy.

Can I use other beans instead of black beans?

Of course! Kidney beans or pinto beans are both fantastic in Vegetarian Chili Mac and hold up well with the saucy, spicy flavors. Use whatever you love or have in your pantry.

Can I add extra veggies?

Definitely—this dish is very flexible. Corn, zucchini, carrots, or spinach are all delicious additions. Just toss them in with the other veggies and follow the same method.

Is Vegetarian Chili Mac kid friendly?

Kids usually love the cheesy, familiar flavors and fun pasta shapes. If serving little ones, just reduce the chili powder a bit and let everyone add their own toppings for a dinner that makes everyone happy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a meal that’s as quick as it is comforting, put Vegetarian Chili Mac on your table this week. You’ll love how easy it is to make, how hearty each bowl tastes, and the endless ways you can serve it up. Give this classic a try—it might just become your new favorite weeknight tradition!