Smoky Chipotle Bean & Mushroom Chili: A Hearty Protein-Packed Plant-Based Meal

Looking for a rich, flavourful, and protein-packed plant-based meal? This Smoky Chipotle Bean & Mushroom Chili is the perfect balance of spice, smokiness, and heartiness. With a mix of beans, mushrooms, and The Better Butchers mushroom meat, this chili is both satisfying and nutrient-dense.

Whether you're a long-time plant-based eater or just looking for a delicious meatless meal, this chili delivers rich flavours with a warm, satisfying texture. Best of all? It’s packed with 24.8g of protein and 17.5g of fibre per serving!

Recipe Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Rich & Smoky: The combination of chipotle BBQ sauce and chipotle hot sauce brings a deep, smoky heat.
✅ Protein-Packed: The blend of beans and mushroom meat makes this dish incredibly satisfying.
✅ Easy to Make: Simple ingredients come together in under 40 minutes.
✅ Meal Prep Friendly: Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

Main Chili

• 1 pack The Better Butchers Natural Plant Based Ground (pre-fried and set aside)
• 1 tbsp oil (for sautéing)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mushrooms, diced
• 1 can (540ml) six-bean blend, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (540ml) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cans (398ml each) beans in tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 2 tbsp chipotle BBQ sauce (we use Jonny Hetherington Essentials Pineapple BBQ Sauce)
• 1-2 tsp chipotle hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup water or vegetable broth

Toppings

• Green onions, sliced
• Avocado, diced
• Cheddar cheese of choice 

How to Make It

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft (about 3-4 minutes). Stir in garlic and mushrooms, sautéing until mushrooms soften (another 3-5 minutes).

Step 2: Add the Beans & Sauce

Stir in the six-bean blend, black beans, and both cans of beans in tomato sauce.

Step 3: Build the Flavour

Mix in tomato paste, chili powder, chipotle BBQ sauce, and chipotle hot sauce. Stir well to coat everything.

Step 4: Simmer

Pour in the water or vegetable broth, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the chili thickens.

Step 5: Add the Mushroom Meat

Stir in the pre-fried The Better Butchers Mushroom Meat and let it heat through for 5 more minutes.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Ladle into bowls and top with green onions, diced avocado, and your cheddar cheese of choice.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

(Based on 4 servings)

This chili is not only a delicious comfort meal but also a powerhouse of plant-based protein and fibre!

Serving Suggestions

• With Rice or Quinoa: Serve over a bed of grains for extra sustenance.
• With Tortillas or Cornbread: Perfect for scooping up every last bite.
• With a Side of Guacamole: Extra avocado = extra deliciousness!

Make It Your Own!

This recipe is super customizable. Want more spice? Add extra chipotle hot sauce! Prefer a thicker chili? Reduce the liquid slightly. Looking for extra texture? Add some roasted sweet potatoes or bell peppers.

Try it out and let us know what you think on Instagram! What’s your favourite way to enjoy chili?