12 Easy Chili Recipes

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Chilly weather is finally upon us, and that means it’s chili season! Discover 12 Easy Chili Recipes, 9 for the hearty stew itself and 3 more ways to enjoy the spirit of chili or put your leftovers to work. Discover my most popular chili recipes as well as slow cooker versions, healthy chili options, and more.

A bowl of turkey chili with toppings.


 

Meggan’s notes

The chili sites across Culinary Hill are wildly popular, racking up hundreds of comments and thousands of 5-star ratings. The secret to a good chili recipe is the spices you, and a homemade blend is always best.

Beyond that, having a good balance of colors, flavors, and textures is key. No matter what kind of chili you make, a variety of toppings will always add the crunch, freshness, and visual appeal. Feel free to customize your spice level too: if you love heat, add more cayenne or pass hot sauce on the side. For a mild chili of any kind, leave the spice out.

I have personally developed every chili recipe on this list. I’ve anticipated your questions and provided tips and tricks whenever possible. As a classically-trained chef, my goal is for you to find success in the kitchen each and every time, no matter what recipe you’re making.

1. Easy Beef Chili

This easy Beef Chili Recipe is just like mom used to make. Follow the recipe as-is or add your own special touches for an award-winning bowl everyone will love.

Beef chili in a white bowl on a teal cutting board surrounded by shredded cheese.

2. White Chicken Chili

Crock Pot White Chicken Chili is a rich, creamy one-pot wonder that tastes especially delicious in the coldest months of the year. Set out a bunch of colorful, zesty toppings and let everyone help themselves.

Slow cooker white chicken chili, shredded cheese, avocado slices, sour cream and tortilla chips in various bowls.

3. Cincinnati Chili (Skyline Copycat Recipe)

Made famous by Skyline Chili in Ohio, Cincinnati Chili is full of secret ingredients and served on spaghetti with lots of toppings, depending on which “way” you like it.

Cincinnati chili on a black and white serving platter.

4. Venison Chili

This easy Venison Chili recipe is hearty and delicious, perfect for the cold months of hunting season or any time you have ground venison in your freezer.

Two bowls of venison chili.

Crockpot Chili Recipes

5. Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Learn how to make easy, delicious Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne for a comfort food dinner. Including bacon, beef chuck roast, tomatoes, and beans, this stew recipe is overflowing with savory flavor (and practically prepares itself!).

A slow cooker full of chili con carne.

6. Slow Cooker White Turkey Chili

Turn leftover turkey into slow cooker White Turkey Chili, a hearty one-pot meal that is as easy as it gets. Add all the ingredients to the crockpot, cover, and walk away. When people are hungry again, set out toppings and let everyone craft their perfect bowl.

A crockpot full of white turkey chili.

7. Homemade Hot Dog Chili

Try my Hot Dog Chili on the stovetop, in your slow cooker, or in an Instant Pot, then spoon it on top of hot dogs for the ultimate tailgate recipe.

Hot dog chili in a crock pot.

Healthy Chili Recipes

8. Sweet Potato Chili

This delicious, nourishing Sweet Potato Chili is loaded with black beans, vegetables, and all the classic spices. It’s naturally vegan, easy to make, and perfect for meal prep or popping in the freezer.

A bowl of sweet potato chili.

9. Easy Turkey Chili

This delicious Turkey Chili recipe is made with ground turkey, so it’s a little bit lighter than the standard beef version. It’s full of vegetables and classic spices and it’s ready for all your favorite healthful toppings like diced avocado, green onions, and fresh cilantro.

Two bowls of turkey chili with toppings.

More Chili Recipes

10. Chili Mac

There’s nothing a bowl of Chili Mac can’t fix. This easy pasta, beef, and bean recipe lives to please; it’s fast, filling, and usually makes the cares of the day vanish into thin air. Plus when it’s time to clean up, you only have one pot to wash.

Two bowls of garnished chili mac.

11. Chili Dogs

Grilled hot dogs are good. Grilled hot dogs topped with homemade beef chili are even better! Try this Chili Dog recipe the next time you’re craving comfort food, as part of a tailgate menu, or any time you fire up the grill.

A chili dog on a plate with a pickle and chips.

12. Chili Cheese Burrito

Chili Cheese Burritos make the quick meal option or ultimate midnight snack. Roll up leftover chili, rice, and cheese in a giant flour tortilla, then brown in a skillet. Devour immediately for freeze for later!

A chili cheese burrito sliced open to show the insides on a pile of tortilla chips.

Build a Better Chili Bar

Host a Chili Bar dinner so everyone can build their own dream dinner. Take a classic chili recipe over the top when you pair it with a buffet including cheese, sour cream, cornbread, hot sauce, and all the best toppings you can dream up. Chili Bars are ideal for parties in the cool months or an epic game day celebration.

45 minutes
View Recipe

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Comments

  1. Hello, thanks so much for sharing your recipe with us! I’m looking forward to trying the beef chili recipe but I would love to make it vegan. I love your vegan sofritas recipe. Could I use the same sofritas process with the tofu to make your beef chili vegan? Thank you!