Chili is a versatile comfort meal. There are many different ways to prepare it with a wide variety of possible ingredients. The best chili recipes are the ones that are truly unique.
My favorite thing about fall is the aroma. I love the smell of leaves, the crisp air, baked goods, and chili simmering on the stove. A perfect fall day is one where football is on TV and a pot of chili is slowly cooking.
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, chili is “a thick sauce of meat and chilies (peppers).” Aside from that, there is no real set chili recipe. When many people think of chili, they think of ground beef, beans, and tomatoes. However, chili isn’t limited to these ingredients. You can use anything to make a delicious chili. The best chili recipes contain unique flavors that work well together.
My family loves chili. One of our favorite things about chili is how versatile it is. There are so many different types of chilis and different ways to prepare them. Our family’s favorite recipe is Chorizo chili. It contains spicy Chorizo sausage, three different types of beans, peppers, and corn. There is a bit of lime juice for added acidity. Plus, dark chocolate for a hint of sweetness. We also love white chicken chili, which doesn’t have any tomatoes and uses chicken broth.
There are a variety of ways to cook chili as well. This makes it the perfect dish for any level of cooking skill. Some recipes utilize a slow cooker. This means adding all of the ingredients and letting the dish cook all day. Others call for a stovetop simmer. It can take 15 minutes to 8 hours to cook a pot of chili.
Here is a list of 20 of the BEST chili recipes! Each one has its own unique spin on the classic, comfort meal.
Chorizo Chili (Attempts At Domestication)
This chorizo chili is a fun spin on a classic chili recipe. Chorizo is packed full of flavor that adds more interest and complexity to the chili.
Get the Recipe
Spicy Chicken Chili (Hearth and Vine)
This spicy chicken chili is a nice change of pace from ordinary beef chili. It incorporates salsa verde instead of tomato sauce for a fresh kick.
Slow Cooker Turkey Chili (Oh My Creative)
A simple slow cooker turkey chili recipe for busy weeknights! There are even a few hidden veggies in there!
Cincinnati Chili (Craving Some Creativity)
Cincinnati chili is a very unique take on chili. It’s typically served over spaghetti and calls for a very interesting blend of spices.
Low-Carb Chili (Laura Fuentes)
What’s the key to making a low-carb chili? No beans! This unique recipe is perfect for those with a bean-free or Keto-friendly diet.
Sweet & Spicy Homemade Chili (Attagirl Says)
This thick and hearty chili is packed with beans, tomatoes, beef, and sausage. The spiciness is balanced with just a touch of sweetness.
Savory Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili (2 The Sunny Side)
This yummy pumpkin chili is a fun spin on the classic chili recipe. It incorporates pumpkin puree and spicy sausage for a flavorful dish. It’s also made in a crock pot, so cooking is a breeze.
White Chicken Chili (Attempts At Domestication)
A delicious recipe for White Chicken Chili, made with white beans, an array of peppers, and corn. This chili is lighter than a red chili but is still packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Chili (My Home and Travels)
Combine the delicious flavors of classic chili with smoky pulled pork for this delicious recipe. It’s such a unique spin on chili!
Slow Cooker Chicken Chili (Marty’s Musings)
Combine traditional chili ingredients with the light flavor of chicken. This slow cooker chicken chili recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
15 Minute Chili (Sunshine and Munchkins)
Need dinner in a hurry? This quick chili recipe utilizes basic pantry ingredients and canned (or leftover) beef for a fast, delicious dinner.
Meegan’s Slow Cooker Turkey Chili (Meegan Makes)
Delicious turkey chili with three different types of beans and a lot of flavors. Make this chili in the slow cooker for an easy dinner.
Crockpot White Chili (My 100 Year Old Home)
This slow cooker white chicken chili is the perfect chilly fall meal. It’s full of flavor and incorporates salsa for an easy, spicy kick.
Chili with Beans over Rice (Girl Just DIY)
A flavorful chili recipe served over rice to create a hearty comfort meal.
Tofu Chili (Birdz of a Feather)
A unique chili recipe that’s perfect for Meatless Monday. This flavorful tofu chili includes mini corn and Aduki beans for a fresh spin on an old classic.
Hormel Chili Dip (Attempts At Domestication)
The perfect dip for when you’re craving chili, but don’t actually want to cook (or eat) a meal.
Get the Recipe
Easy Winter Chili (The Curated Farmhouse)
A delicious chili recipe loaded with beans and peppers. There is a touch of sweetness and a bit of smokiness that gives this chili a fun flavor!
Delicious Crockpot Chili (My Family Thyme)
An easy chili recipe that only takes 15 minutes to prepare. It cooks in the crockpot all day and is ready just in time for dinner!
Chicken Mole (Birdz of a Feather)
All of the flavors of a traditional chicken mole, but prepared in a fraction of the time. This mole recipe utilizes a pressure cooker for a quick and easy dinner.
30 Minute Stovetop Chili (Worthing Court Blog)
A delicious chili recipe with pinto beans that only takes 30 minutes to cook. Perfect for a simple dinner!
Tags
chili
The Best Halloween Movies for Preschoolers! Plus, Halloween Specials of Their Favorite Shows
Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe
8 Comments
October 7, 2021 at 12:26 am ·Reply
Mmm I love a good bowl of chili! I was planning on making my beef & 3 bean chili this weekend… glad I’m not the only one with chili on my mind!
Ashley
October 8, 2021 at 10:31 am ·Reply
I’m definitely making some this weekend!
October 7, 2021 at 11:44 am ·Reply
It’s like you read my mind because I was JUST thinking about how I want to make chili either this weekend or next! I’ve been making my mom’s “Super Bowl Chili” for a couple of years now, and my sister has an award-winning chili that I also enjoy, but sometimes it’s good to mix things up – so I may have to try one of these fun recipes!
Ashley
October 8, 2021 at 10:30 am ·Reply
Let me know which ones you like!
Neely Moldovan
October 7, 2021 at 3:18 pm ·Reply
Bookmarking this! We love chili and make it so much in the winter and I would LOVE to try a new recipe!
Ashley
October 8, 2021 at 10:30 am ·Reply
There are so many good options!
October 8, 2021 at 4:28 pm ·Reply
who knew there were so many chili options?! There seems to be just about any option for any dietary preference. definitely have to add to my pinterest list!
October 11, 2021 at 9:06 am ·Reply
I’ve been thinking about chili a lot lately. It’s been raining a lot where I live and chili is the best fall recipe. Thanks for the round up!
