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Vegan Chili Mac and Cheese recipe by Joyful Balance.

Vegan Chili Mac and Cheese

Delaney Marie
This Vegan Chili Mac and Cheese is the dairy-free dinner of your dreams! This weeknight dinner combines mac and cheese with chili and puts a vegan twist on it. It is hearty and filling, filled with cheesy flavor, AND stuffed with nutritious veggies and flavorful chili spices. It is sure to become your new comfort meal!
*Note that From Start to Finish is an estimate that includes 40 minutes to make your Quick Vegan Queso and chop your veggies (most of this time is spent letting the cashews soak for the queso), and then 30 minutes to complete the directions of this recipe.
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From Start to Finish1 hour 10 minutes
Servings6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 medium yellow onion - diced
  • 1 small/medium red bell pepper - diced
  • 4 cloves garlic - minced
  • 1.5 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1.5 teaspoon cumin
  • 3 cups veggie broth
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 can fire roasted diced tomatoes - (NOT drained)
  • 1 cup frozen corn - thawed
  • 1 can kidney beans - drained & rinsed
  • 1 can back beans - drained & rinsed
  • 12 oz uncooked elbow pasta - (or another pasta of choice)
  • 1 recipe of Joyful Balance Quick Vegan Queso

Optional toppings:

  • cilantro - roughly chopped
  • green onion - thinly sliced
  • plain coconut yogurt OR vegan sour cream

Instructions

  • Heat a large nonstick pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, garlic, and a splash of water to prevent sticking. Sauté for 6 minutes, adding more water to prevent sticking as needed.
  • Stir in the chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. Sauté for 1 more minute.
  • Pour in the veggie broth, tomato sauce, diced tomato, beans, corn, and uncooked pasta. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
  • Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until liquid is mostly absorbed and pasta is cooked (this normally takes 10-14 min, depending on your pasta).
  • Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the Quick Vegan Queso until fully combined. Taste and season with salt as desired.
  • Serve and top with fresh cilantro, green onion, and vegan sour cream or coconut yogurt if desired. Enjoy!
Did you make this recipe?Mention @joyfulbalanceofficial on Instagram and show the world your plant based creation!