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20 Hearty Chili Recipes to Put on Repeat During the Colder Months

Is there anything more comforting?

Headshot of Kara ZaubermanBy Kara Zauberman
chili recipes with corn chips and jalapenos
Will Dickey

Once the temperatures drop, it’s all about cozy soup recipes, casseroles, and more food that makes you feel warm inside. But one comfort food in particular is the ultimate crowd-pleaser: chili! Whether it’s for Sunday supper or a game day menu, you never need an excuse to simmer up a pot of chili. Choose from chilis made with big chunks of beef, ground turkey, or even leftover rotisserie chicken. (And, don’t tell Ladd Drummond, but we’ve also included a few vegetarian chilis, too!) If hearty family meals are what you’re after, then you’ll definitely want to give these comforting chilis a try.

So, how do you know which chili recipe to choose? Some people have strong opinions about their chili. (Say, should chili have beans or no beans?) Meanwhile, others will find that they're willing to try all different kinds of chili depending on the night. For instance, you can go with a meaty Texas-style chili, a leaner turkey chili, or a Cincinnati chili served over a plate of spaghetti. Rushing to get dinner on the table fast? Try the instant pot chili or the chili mac—it's ready in just 30 minutes! No matter which chili recipe you choose, just be sure to whip up a batch of Ree Drummond's skillet cornbread to serve on the side!

1

Beef-and-Bean Chili

beef and bean chili with shredded cheese and jalapeno
Ryan Liebe

To make this chili extra-hearty, Ree uses ground beef, masa harina, and a combination of kidney and pinto beans. Of course, cheese and bacon on top don't hurt either!

Get Ree's Beef-and-Bean Chili recipe.

SHOP DUTCH OVENS

2

White Chicken Chili

white chicken chili with chips and lime wedges
Will Dickey

This chili is like a mash-up between chicken pot pie and game-day chili. It's creamy, comforting, and great for using up extra rotisserie chicken.

Get the White Chicken Chili recipe.

3

Slow Cooker Chili

slow cooker chili in floral pw slow cooker
Will Dickey

This set-it-and-forget-it chili might sound too good to be true, but it really does deliver all those slow-cooked flavors without having to stand around and stir. It'll make dinnertime easy!

Get the Slow Cooker Chili recipe.

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4

Pumpkin Chili

pumpkin chili in red pot
Will Dickey

Calling all pumpkin lovers! This fall-inspired chili is made with real pumpkin puree so it has a slightly sweet and earthy flavor that pairs so well with roasted pumpkin seeds for garnish.

Get the Pumpkin Chili recipe.

5

Instant Pot Chili

instant pot chili in white bowl with sour cream and shredded cheese
Will Dickey

Making chili in an Instant Pot is a great way to shorten the cook time. To make up for the fact that it's not simmering all day long, this recipe uses flavor-packed ingredients like chipotles in adobo and fire-roasted tomatoes.

Get the Instant Pot Chili recipe.

SHOP INSTANT POTS

6

Chili-Stuffed Zucchini Boats

chili stuffed zucchini boats
Ralph Smith

The zucchini acts as a kind of edible bowl in this healthy (yet hearty) weeknight dinner. You can still have all your favorite chili toppings, like sour cream, shredded cheese, sliced green onions, or even hot sauce.

Get Ree's Chili-Stuffed Zucchini Boats recipe.

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7

Slow-Cooker Turkey Chili

slow cooker turkey chili with avocado and chips
Will Dickey

A turkey chili can be just as flavorful as a beef chili—especially if it has the right mix-ins. This one uses fire-roasted tomatoes, peppers, and corn. Just add avocado and corn chips for topping!

Get the Slow Cooker Turkey Chili recipe.

8

Black Bean Chili

black bean chili with cheese
Will Dickey

This recipe comes together in just 45 minutes so it's a no-brainer for weeknight dinners. In fact, this foolproof turkey and bean chili is even easy enough for lunch.

Get the Black Bean Chili recipe.

9

Texas Chili

texas chili with jalapenos and corn chips
Will Dickey

In Texas, chili is all about the beef. Which is exactly why this chili is made without any beans. It's just hearty beef chuck roast—and lots of chiles and spices.

Get the Texas Chili recipe.

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10

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

slow cooker white chicken chili with avocado
Ryan Dausch

This chili is creamy, hearty, and comforting, but the best part is that you can throw everything into the slow cooker, turn it on, and get back to doing whatever else you have on your to-do list.

Get Ree's Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili recipe.

SHOP SLOW COOKERS

11

Veggie Chili

veggie chili in floral bowl
The Pioneer Woman

Don't tell Ladd but this is one of Ree's favorite meatless dinners. It's chock full of veggies, beans, and lots of spice. Plus, it's delicious with Cotija cheese on top.

Get Ree's Veggie Chili recipe.

12

Chipotle Chili Dogs

chipotle chili hot dogs with onion
Ryan Dausch

The key to this popular hot dog topping is a really delicious homemade chili. This one is simmered with chipotle peppers, adobe sauce, beer, and brown sugar (to balance out the spice).

Get Ree's Chipotle Chili Dogs recipe.

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13

Frito Chili Pie

frito chili pie with spoon and fritos bag
The Pioneer Woman

This is Ree's basic (very good) chili recipe made even better by piling it into a bag of corn chips and topping it with melted cheese—perfect for a tailgate!

Get Ree's Frito Chili Pie recipe.

14

Buffalo Chicken Chili

chili recipes buffalo chicken chili
Platings and Pairings

This recipe has all the flavor of buffalo chicken in one hearty bowl of chili! This recipe is perfect for tailgates or just a cozy night in.

Get the Buffalo Chicken Chili recipe at Platings and Pairings.

15

Butternut Squash Chipotle Chili

chili recipes butternut squash chipotle chili
Cookie and Kate

This chili relies on hearty beans, seasonal butternut squash, and the bold flavors of chipotle pepper in adobo. It's vegetarian but still filling and comforting.

Get the Butternut Squash Chipotle Chili recipe at Cookie and Kate.

SHOP COOKWARE

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16

Cincinnati Chili

chili recipes cincinnati chili
Dinner Then Dessert

This style of chili is typically served over a big pile of noodles. Top it with shredded cheddar cheese and onion for a classic dish.

Get the Cincinnati Chili recipe at Dinner Then Dessert.

17

Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Chili

chili recipes slow cooker chicken fajita chili
Foodie Crush

This chili is loaded with Tex-Mex flavor thanks to a handful of spices, like chili powder, cumin, oregano, and garlic. Add canned tomatoes with chilies, red beans, peppers, and shredded chicken for a fun twist on fajitas.

Get the Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Chili recipe at Foodie Crush.

18

Chili Cornbread Casserole

chili cornbread casserole with jalapenos
Belle of the Kitchen

If you love chili and cornbread, then this casserole recipe is for you. It allows the beef and bean chili to cook with the cornbread in one dish

Get the Chili Cornbread Casserole recipe at Belle of the Kitchen.

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19

Chili Mac

chili mac in bowl
Immaculate Bites

Chili mac is exactly how what it sounds like: chili with mac and cheese. It's a cheesy, beefy comfort food mash-up that's made all in one pot!

Get the Chili Mac recipe at Immaculate Bites.

20

Chipotle Sweet Potato Pork Chili

chipotle sweet potato pork chili with sour cream and lime
Isabel Eats

Using pork shoulder in your chili will add a ton of juicy and savory flavor. Plus, it get's so tender, it basically melts in your mouth.

Get the Chipotle Sweet Potato Pork Chili recipe at Isabel Eats.

SHOP BOWLS

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