25 Best Chili Recipes

Here are the 25 best chili recipes out there. Because chili is the perfect comfort food, game day food, holiday food… You get the picture.

I love to try out new chilis when we host large groups of friends and families. It’s easy to make, most people love it, and if it sits on the stove for hours, that’s a good thing!

What Makes a Chili

Oh, the age-old question: what actually constitutes a chili? If you ask ten different people, you’ll likely receive ten different answers, each more adamant than the last. 

Some purists insist that “real” chili is just meat and spices, no beans allowed – heaven forbid! Others argue that beans are an essential component, and if there aren’t any beans, well, then you’re just eating a spicy meat stew, aren’t you? 

Let’s not even delve into the heated debate surrounding tomatoes or the great divide between Texas-style and Cincinnati-style chili. In reality, chili is a highly versatile dish, open to endless interpretation and customization. 

So, go ahead and toss in your beans, or don’t; include tomatoes, or leave them out; serve it over spaghetti or eat it straight from the bowl – just remember, there’s no such thing as a “true” chili, despite what the die-hard chili enthusiasts might tell you.

Beans or No Beans

Fear not, my friend, because the world of chili is a vast and inclusive place where beanless wonders await! While beans have undoubtedly cemented their place in the chili hall of fame, they’re no longer a mandatory ingredient. 

Opting for a no-bean chili allows the rich flavors of your chosen meat and spices to truly shine, creating an indulgent and savory experience for your taste buds. So, as you explore the realm of the best chili recipes, don’t be afraid to take the road less beaned – you might just discover a new culinary delight that makes your heart (and stomach) sing!

25 Best Chili Recipes

Pumpkin Chili

Pumpkin Chili is hearty and delicious with ingredients like ground turkey, pumpkin, beans, and plenty of spice!  It’s the perfect fall chili recipe. 

Tex-Mex Chili Con Carne

Tex-Mex chili con carne is a hearty meal with its roots in the southwest USA. The combination of meat, beans, and spices makes this recipe popular worldwide. Make it as spicy as you like, change the meat, or add vegetables; this recipe is perfect for your creativity.

Vegetarian Three-Bean Chili

This three-bean vegetarian chili is all of that AND healthy. Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and veggies, this is a great everyday chili recipe.

Keto-Friendly Instant Pot Vegan Chili

Chili is the ultimate comfort food. This Instant Pot Vegan Chili is so easy to make. Either throw it all in an instant pot or a slow cooker. Keto and Whole30 friendly!

Easy Pork Chili

This smoked pork green chili slow cooker recipe is so easy! Make this smoked pork chili in Crock Pot from leftover pulled pork and beans. Serve with a side of tortilla chips.

Crock Pot White Chicken Chili

Crock Pot White Chicken Chili is an easy & healthy dinner idea. You’ll love this tender chicken slow-cooked with zesty spices and white beans. The texture of this chili is just perfect.

Nashville Hot Chicken Chili

This Nashville Hot Chicken Chili is spicy, hearty, and a family favorite on a chilly night! Packed with cannelloni, chili, and kidney beans – it’s full of fiber while staying low-calorie!

Vegetarian Sweet Potato Chili

This EASY Sweet Potato Chili is the perfect Meatless Monday weeknight dinner! It’s simple to make, plus freezer and meal prep friendly.

Easy Ground Venison Chili Recipe

This ground venison chili has flavor, chili beans, tomatoes, and zucchini in every bite. It’s a super easy ground venison recipe. Easily Swap out the venison for ground beef, ground bison, or even ground elk!

Southwest Chili with Black Beans and Corn

There’s nothing better than a hearty bowl of Southwest Chili with Black Beans and Corn on a cold winter day or on game day!

Crockpot Chili With Beans

Crockpot chili with beans is so simple, with just the right amount of beef, spices, and beans. You might win a cook-off with this recipe! Serve with a side of cornbread. 

Chicken Chili Lime Soup Recipe

This Chicken Chili Lime Soup Recipe is easy to prepare and super tasty. It is guaranteed to become a firm favorite in your household. Top with cheddar cheese. 

Five-Way Cincinnati Chili

One of America’s favorite regional dishes is Five-Way Cincinnati Chili. Add this delicious dish to your weeknight menu if you’ve never had it. I promise it will bring smiles to your dinner table!

Vegan Black Bean Chili

This Vegetarian Chili Sin Carne has all the chili flavor and is done in just 40 minutes, with eggplant, zucchini, and black beans. You can also swap the black bean for chickpeas.

Lamb Chili

This lamb chili is loaded with ground lamb, beans, peppers, and a homemade chili seasoning. It is a heartwarming and crowd-pleasing dish that everybody will love.

Kid-Friendly Non-Spicy Chili

This delicious, non-spicy chili is the best! Kid-friendly, easy to make, and super customizable. Your belly will thank you for all the meat-free yum!

Spaghetti Sauce Chili

My Spaghetti Sauce Three Bean Chili Recipe is not only easy to make, but it’s also OMG delicious! Perfect for get-togethers or just to spoil yourself.

No Bean Chili (Beanless Chili)

This no-bean chili recipe is a gut-friendly take on the cozy comfort meal. This chili is gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo. Perfect for game day or a cozy winter night!

Classic Chili Recipe

A crowd-pleasing Chili recipe that’s naturally gluten-free. Fully loaded with flavor and easy to make. Never buy canned chili again.

Spicy Venison Chili

Spicy Venison Chili features ground venison punched up with spicy, smoky, umami flavors that play off the earthy flavor of deer meat. It’s also paired with the usual chili suspects, including fresh onion, bell pepper, and garlic.

Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken Chili

This Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken Chili is a delicious and easy meal to make! Gluten-free and dairy free, with a paleo option! Serve with a dollop of sour cream for an added kick of flavor.

Instant Pot Turkey Chili With Sweet Potatoes

This Instant Pot Turkey Chili with sweet potatoes is a healthy alternative to the traditional beef chili recipe. Loaded with rich tomato flavor and hearty beans, this easy recipe can be converted to a freezer meal!

Instant Pot Chipotle Chicken Chili

This Instant Pot Chipotle Chicken Chili is so delicious and easy to make. It’s packed with bacon, beans, chicken, and plenty of smoky chipotle flavor that tastes warm and comforting on a cold day!

Chili Con Carne With Dark Chocolate

This unique chili con carne recipe is taken to the next level with the addition of dark chocolate. Combining savory beef, aromatic spices, and rich dark chocolate creates a complex and satisfying flavor profile. Perfect for a cozy night in or as a crowd-pleasing party dish, this recipe is sure to impress and leave a lasting impression.

SOUTHWEST CHICKEN CHILI (DF + GF)

This creamy, flavorful, southwest chicken chili is loaded with veggies and protein. The creaminess comes from pureed corn, so no dairy is needed. Serve with a sprinkle of green onions or even a few pumpkin seeds!

25 Best Chili Recipes FAQs

What type of meat should I use for chili?

You can use various types of meat for chili, including ground beef, pork, chicken, turkey, or even a combination, depending on your preference and dietary restrictions. Vegetarian and vegan options include beans, lentils, and meat substitutes like tofu or tempeh.

Can I use leftover taco meat for chili?

You absolutely can use leftover taco meat for chili! It’s a great next-day version of last night’s dinner.

How long should I cook chili?

Chili’s flavors are enhanced by slow cooking, typically for at least 1-2 hours on low heat. Some recipes recommend cooking for 3-4 hours or using a slow cooker for a richer taste.

Can I make chili ahead of time?

Yes, chili often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld and deepen. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.

How can I thicken my chili?

To thicken chili, you can let it simmer uncovered for a longer time, allowing the liquid to reduce. Alternatively, you can add cornmeal or a cornstarch slurry, which is a bit of a hack to thicken your chili faster.

What spices should I use for chili?

Common spices for chili include chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper. You can also experiment with chipotle, ancho chilies, and smoked paprika for a smoky, spicy touch. 

What beans should I use in my chili? 

Kidney beans, pinto beans, and black beans are popular choices. You can also mix and match different beans or use canned beans for convenience. Chickpeas are great options. You can also mix it up and add lentils for a different variation on the traditional.

How do I make my chili spicier?

To increase the heat in your chili, add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or fresh chilies like jalapeños or habaneros. But remember, you can always make your chili spicier; you can’t remove spice. So add a little at a time. And if you have a family that is split on the level of heat they like, let everyone around the table add their own.

What toppings can I serve with chili?

Chili is often garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, diced onions, or crushed tortilla chips. But don’t stop there! You can also sprinkle seeds on top or even go the salt and sweet route and top with a few raisins or craisins.

Can I make chili in an Instant Pot or slow cooker?

Yes, Instant Pot and slow cooker chili recipes are great options for cooking chili. Both options allow you to go low and slow when cooking, providing convenient and hands-off cooking methods to achieve deep, flavorful results.

How do I store leftover chili?

Allow chili to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Have leftover chili? Here are tons of recipes to leverage leftover chili meat.

Have questions or suggestions about the 25 best chili recipes? Leave them in the comments below.