Tim’s Impossible Chili

Big flavor, plant power, everyone’s happy

Serves: 6–8 | Time: 1 hr hands-off (best after 90 min)
You’ll need

  • 12 oz Impossible Beef (or 4 Impossible burgers, crumbled; or any vegan crumbles)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 large onion, diced

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1–2 bell peppers, diced

  • 1–2 jalapeños, chopped (to taste)

  • 1 large can tomato juice (or V8)

  • 1 jar tomato/pasta sauce

  • 1 can diced tomatoes (or 1½ cups fresh)

  • 1 can kidney beans, rinsed

  • 1 can pinto beans, rinsed

  • 2–3 tsp chili powder

  • 1 tsp cumin

  • 1 tsp oregano

  • ½ tsp cayenne (optional)

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

  • 1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)

  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings: vegan cheddar, dairy-free sour cream, pickled onions, cilantro, lime, crushed tortilla chips

Let’s Make It

1.    Sauté onion, garlic, bell peppers, and jalapeño in oil 5 minutes.

2.    Add Impossible; brown 5 minutes, breaking up.

3.    Season with chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, cayenne, sugar, salt, and pepper.

4.    Stir in tomato juice, sauce, tomatoes, and beans.

5.    Simmer low 60–120 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6.    Serve hot with toppings.

Pro Tip: Add 1–2 tbsp cocoa powder or espresso for deeper “smoky” notes.
Make Ahead: Even better on day two; freezes like a dream.

Kai Stansberry Fields

Kai Stansberry Fields is a health and wellness professional and the founder and creative force behind Vegan People, a community-centered platform rooted in compassion, curiosity, and conscious living. With more than two decades of experience in health promotion, her work focuses on how Social Determinants of Health shape daily life, including the roles of mental health, nutrition, community, and environmental conditions in overall wellbeing.

Kai approaches wellness with both compassion and curiosity. She believes true health is never just about personal choices, but is deeply influenced by the systems we live in, the support we receive, and the communities we call home. Her work reflects a commitment to helping others find healing, clarity, and dignity through connection, education, and care.

She lives in Mansfield, Texas, where she shares life with her husband, their daughter, and their spirited Pomeranian, Rylie.

Previous
Previous

Vegan Pancakes

Next
Next

Cream of Broccoli, Spinach & Mushroom Soup