Chili is one of those dishes that manages to be both dependable and endlessly adaptable. It’s just as welcome on a cold winter night as it is on a tailgate table, and it only gets better the longer it simmers. Some people swear by a meat-heavy, no-bean pot with smoky depth, while others lean into vegetarian versions packed with beans, vegetables, and bold spice. You can cook it in a slow cooker, simmer it in a Dutch oven, or let it bubble on the stove while the flavors build. From creamy white chicken chilis to beer-spiked, buffalo-style, and even versions that include pumpkin or sweet potatoes, chili has a way of suiting your cravings no matter what you’re in the mood for. This list brings together a wide range of recipes to keep your chili lineup fresh, flavorful, and far from boring.
Easy Chili Recipe
This go-to chili keeps things simple with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and classic seasoning. It’s quick to make and doesn’t require any special ingredients. The flavor is warm and comforting with a touch of spice. Ideal when you want something fast that still feels home-cooked.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chili Recipe
Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili with Sweet Potatoes
This version simmers sweet potatoes, black beans, and peppers in a spiced tomato base. It’s hearty without any meat and develops deep flavor as it cooks low and slow. The sweet potatoes add richness and a bit of natural sweetness. Perfect for setting and forgetting until dinner time.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili with Sweet Potatoes
White Chicken Chili with Sausage
White beans, shredded chicken, and sausage come together in a creamy, slightly spicy broth. It’s a meat-packed take on white chili that’s rich without being heavy. Green chiles and cumin give it a Southwestern edge. This one fills you up fast.
Get the Recipe: White Chicken Chili with Sausage
Beanless Chili
This no-bean version goes heavy on the meat and spice. It’s thick, bold, and built for those who want chili with fewer fillers. Perfect for topping fries, nachos, or baked potatoes. The texture is smooth and meaty all the way through.
Get the Recipe: Beanless Chili
White Bean Veggie Chili
Loaded with white beans, peppers, corn, and spices, this chili is light but satisfying. It’s got color, texture, and plenty of warmth without needing any meat. A dollop of sour cream and squeeze of lime round it out. Great for weekday lunches or a lighter dinner.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Veggie Chili
Mixed Bean Chili
This recipe mixes kidney, black, and pinto beans into a rich tomato base. The combination gives a variety of textures and flavors in every bite. It’s deeply seasoned and great with cornbread or rice. Ideal for batch cooking or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Mixed Bean Chili
Wendy’s Chili Recipe
A homemade version of the fast-food classic, this chili includes ground beef, beans, celery, and peppers. It’s milder in spice but loaded with comforting flavor. The texture is chunky and smooth, just like the original. A great copycat that holds up well.
Get the Recipe: Wendy’s Chili Recipe
Beer Chili Recipe
Dark beer adds depth and a malty edge to this slow-simmered chili. It pairs perfectly with ground beef, tomatoes, and beans. The alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a rich, earthy flavor. This one’s made for game day or cool evenings.
Get the Recipe: Beer Chili Recipe
Venison Chili
Lean venison gives this chili a bold, slightly gamey flavor that works well with smoky spices. It’s a bit richer than beef and holds up to long simmering. Beans are optional depending on your taste. This one’s a solid choice for something hearty and a little different.
Get the Recipe: Venison Chili
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili
Shredded chicken, white beans, and hot sauce make this a spicy, tangy spin on chili. It has the flavor of wings in a warm bowl. Blue cheese crumbles or ranch drizzle on top bring it all together. Let it cook all day for an easy, fiery meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili
Short Rib Chili
This version uses slow-cooked short ribs for tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat. The chili base is deep and rich, absorbing all the flavor from the bones. It’s luxurious without being fussy. Best served with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Short Rib Chili
White Chicken Chili
A creamy broth surrounds shredded chicken, white beans, and green chiles in this mild, comforting chili. It’s smooth, gently spiced, and good for those who prefer something less tomato-heavy. A bit of lime and cilantro freshen things up. It’s a favorite when the weather cools down.
Get the Recipe: White Chicken Chili
Zippy’s Chili Recipe
This Hawaiian-style chili includes Portuguese sausage, ground beef, and kidney beans. It’s got a unique sweet-savory flavor thanks to the addition of ketchup and sugar. It’s less spicy than most and often served over rice. A solid option when you want something a little off the beaten path.
Get the Recipe: Zippy’s Chili Recipe
Brisket Chili
Chunks of brisket cook down into tender bites that soak up a rich, smoky chili base. It’s thick, deeply flavored, and satisfying. No ground beef needed—this version is all about texture and intensity. A good one for slow weekends.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Chili
Hearty Pumpkin Chili
Pumpkin purée blends into the chili base, giving it thickness and a touch of earthiness. It pairs surprisingly well with beans, beef, and chili spices. The flavor is savory, not sweet. A nice autumn twist that still brings the heat.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Pumpkin Chili
Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili
This regional classic features a cinnamon-spiced meat sauce served over spaghetti. It’s unlike most chili recipes, with a smooth, saucy texture and subtle sweetness. Often topped with cheese, beans, and onions. A must-try if you’re curious about chili with a twist.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili
Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili
This version combines ground chicken, diced apples, and sharp cheddar for a sweet-savory balance. It’s creamy, slightly tart, and definitely not your average chili. The apples soften during cooking and blend right into the sauce. Best served with biscuits or crusty bread.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili
Dutch Oven Chili
Made in a heavy pot, this chili develops deep flavor from slow simmering and good browning. It’s a traditional beef-and-bean mix with robust spices. The Dutch oven helps lock in heat and moisture. It’s a no-nonsense option that always delivers.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Chili
