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

Print Pin Save

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 is a good vegan substitute for hot dogs? ›

Let's just say we'd skip it.
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  • Best Hot Dog If You're in a Hurry: The Lightlife Smart Dog.
Jun 4, 2023

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

It's noticeably thicker and smoother, and doesn't have beans in it. Essentially, it's like a thick sauce that stays on the hot dog better than regular chili so you can eat it with your hands.

What kind of canned chili do you use for chili dogs? ›

Create a quick and tasty meal with Chili Dogs With Cheese: beef franks in split buns, topped with heated HORMEL® Chili No Beans, shredded cheese, and optional sliced green onions for a delightful dish ready in under 10 minutes.

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

They might seem like different names for the same style of hot dog, but Coney Island dogs are smothered with a meat sauce that's not exactly chili—plus onions and yellow mustard. Chili dogs can be topped with meat and bean chili as well as cheese or cheese sauce.

What food is surprisingly vegan? ›

18 Snacks and Foods You Didn't Know Were Vegan
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Does impossible meat make hot dogs? ›

The ImpossibleTM Beef Hot Dog Made From Plants!

Yep. Everyone's favorite questionable food choice has finally been updated to give your customers the beefy, delicious flavor they love without any animals whatsoever. Easy to add and even easier to prepare—it's the meaty dog your menu's been holding out for!

What is Coney dog sauce made of? ›

Make the Beef Sauce

Add the beef, stirring frequently, until well browned. Drain liquids and juices from the skillet, but keep beef in pan. Add onion, chili powder, salt, garlic powder, allspice, ground mustard, black pepper, cumin, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, tomato paste, and water. Stir to mix thoroughly.

What is a coney dog vs hot dog? ›

A Coney dog is a beef frankfurter in natural casing, nestled in a soft, steamed bun. Its topping of an all meat, beanless chili, diced white onions, and yellow mustard distinguishes it from the ordinary hot dog.

What is best store bought chili for chili dogs? ›

Wolf Brand Chili hot dog sauce is the best way to add flavor to hot dogs, sausages, baked potatoes, and more. This canned chili sauce is made with a unique blend of spices for the ultimate thick, steaming, wildly delicious topping that the whole family will love.

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

"Adding fresh ingredients — like diced onions, cilantro, and jalapenos — will take any canned chili to another level," Dunleavy said. "The fresh burst of flavor will brighten and elevate the chili while also adding great texture and crunch."

How do you doctor up canned chili for hot dogs? ›

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.

What is a Detroit dog? ›

The Detroit-style Coney dog is defined by its natural casing hot dog that is topped with beef heart chili, yellow mustard, and diced onions. ‍ In contrast, the Flint-style Coney dog features a dry or loose beef topped hotdog with mustard and onion.

What is an A&W Coney dog? ›

An all-beef* hot dog, served with your choice of toppings. Try it with our signature meaty chili sauce, onions… any way you like it.

What is a Michigan Coney dog? ›

But in Michigan, a coney isn't a theme park, it's a food — specifically a hot dog smothered in chili, then topped with mustard and chopped onions. And the roots of this savory dish date back to early 1900s.

What is the best alternative to hot dog? ›

Chew on these ideas before you shop for your next camping trip.
  • Chili Dog. Pair a traditional hot dog with vegetarian or beef chili for a delicious twist on the classic preparation. ...
  • Chicken Sausage. ...
  • Chicken Dog. ...
  • Turkey Sausage. ...
  • Corndog. ...
  • Vegan Dog. ...
  • Uncured All Beef. ...
  • Seafood Roll.

What is a healthy alternative to hot dogs? ›

Grilled Chicken Sausages with Veggie Relish

Chicken sausages are leaner than traditional pork sausages, making them a healthier option.

Is there a plant-based hot dog? ›

America's classic has a new name: veggie. Our plant-based veggie dogs are plump and filled with that classic hot-off-the-grill flavor (no grill required).

Are there vegan hot dogs? ›

Just like hummus, vegan hot dog brands vary dramatically in texture and flavor. So if one brand leaves you unimpressed, be sure to try another brand next time. Not all vegetarian hot dogs are vegan, so always check the ingredients panel.

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