Chili comes in countless variations, and this collection proves just how creative you can get with one pot. From slow-cooked classics to Instant Pot twists, these recipes feature everything from beef and chicken to jackfruit, lentils, and squash. You’ll find thick, hearty bowls full of bold spices, creamy beans, and rich textures. No matter your favorite base or protein, there’s something here to stir up and enjoy.

Easy Chili Recipe

Easy Chili Recipe. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This classic chili keeps things simple with ground beef, tomatoes, beans, and basic spices. It simmers into a thick, satisfying bowl. Easy to adjust for spice and add-ins. Great for a quick weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chili Recipe

Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili with Sweet Potatoes

Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili with Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Chunky sweet potatoes pair with beans and peppers in this veggie-packed chili. It cooks low and slow to let the flavors blend. The texture is thick and hearty. Each bowl is colorful and filling.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili with Sweet Potatoes

White Chicken Chili with Sausage

White Chicken Chili with Sausage. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Tender chicken and sausage come together in a creamy white bean base. The flavors are smoky and rich. A touch of spice balances the creaminess. It’s thick enough to eat with a fork or spoon.
Get the Recipe: White Chicken Chili with Sausage

Hearty Beef Chili

A bowl of chili surrounded by various toppings like shredded cheese, jalapenos, cornbread, bacon, sour cream, cilantro, and chopped onions—perfect for weeknight meals or anyone seeking comforting recipes.
Hearty Beef Chili. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

This beef chili uses chunks of meat instead of ground for a more robust texture. The sauce is thick, smoky, and well-spiced. Beans are optional but add more bulk. Best served hot with toppings.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Beef Chili

Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili

Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This unexpected combo blends diced chicken, apples, and cheddar cheese. It’s sweet, savory, and a little creamy. Beans add bulk and the flavors melt together as it cooks. A fresh take on chicken chili.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili

Beanless Chili

Beanless Chili. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

This chili skips the beans and focuses on meat and spices. It’s thick and rich with a tomato base. A great option for low-carb or bean-free diets. Full of flavor without the extras.
Get the Recipe: Beanless Chili

Hearty Pumpkin Chili

A bowl of chili topped with avocado and peppers.
Hearty Pumpkin Chili. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Pumpkin puree adds thickness and a mild sweetness to this chili. Ground beef and beans give it substance. The spices balance the pumpkin flavor. It’s cozy, filling, and a little unexpected.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Pumpkin Chili

Instant Pot Jackfruit Chili

Instant Pot Jackfruit Chili. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Jackfruit stands in for shredded meat in this vegan chili. It absorbs spices well and adds a hearty texture. Cooked quickly in the Instant Pot. A great plant-based alternative.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Jackfruit Chili

Mixed Bean Chili

Mixed Bean Chili. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

This chili features several kinds of beans simmered in a tomato base. It’s thick, filling, and easy to customize. Great for clearing out the pantry. Pairs well with cornbread or rice.
Get the Recipe: Mixed Bean Chili

Instant Pot Vegan Acorn Squash Chili

Instant Pot Vegan Acorn Squash Chili. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Cubes of acorn squash soften in a rich tomato and bean broth. The pressure cooker makes it quick and hands-off. The squash adds a subtle sweetness. It’s colorful and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Vegan Acorn Squash Chili

Baked Potato Soup Chilis

A person holding a bowl of baked potato soup garnished, with similar bowls and a spoon on a checkered tablecloth.
Baked Potato Soup Chilis. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

This mash-up blends chili flavors with the creamy texture of baked potato soup. Potatoes and cheese form the base, with ground meat stirred in. The texture is thick and spoonable. A hearty, comforting bowl.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato Soup Chilis

Kabocha Squash Chili

Kabocha Squash Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Kabocha squash cooks into a soft, rich base with beans and spices. The flavor is slightly nutty and sweet. It holds up well to bold seasoning. Each spoonful is thick and smooth.
Get the Recipe: Kabocha Squash Chili

Easy, Creamy White Bean Chili

An overhead image of vegan white bean chili with toppings.
Easy, Creamy White Bean Chili. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This version blends white beans, broth, and shredded chicken into a smooth, rich chili. It’s creamy without being too heavy. Mild spices keep it balanced. A quick meal with big flavor.
Get the Recipe: Easy, Creamy White Bean Chili

Beer Chili Recipe

A bowl of beer chili with a hearty and spicy texture.
Beer Chili Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

A splash of beer deepens the flavor of this meat-based chili. It simmers into a thick, spicy bowl. Beans and tomatoes round it out. The beer adds richness without overpowering.
Get the Recipe: Beer Chili Recipe

Instant Pot Turkey Chili

Bowl of chili with baked tortilla strips.
Instant Pot Turkey Chili. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Ground turkey keeps this chili lighter but still filling. The pressure cooker speeds things up. Beans, tomatoes, and spices make it classic. Great for quick prep and leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Turkey Chili

Brisket Chili

Brisket chili in a bowl topede with green onions and avocado.
Brisket Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Slow-cooked brisket adds smoky flavor and tender texture. The chili base is thick and rich. It’s a meat-heavy dish with bold seasoning. Best after a long simmer or next-day reheat.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Chili

Lentil and Butternut Squash Vegetarian Chili with Spicy Chickpea Quinoa Crackers

Lentil and Butternut Squash Vegetarian Chili with Spicy Chickpea Quinoa Crackers. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This hearty chili combines lentils and squash in a tomato-rich broth. The texture is thick and rustic. It’s served with crunchy, spiced crackers on the side. A full, plant-based meal in every bowl.
Get the Recipe: Lentil and Butternut Squash Vegetarian Chili with Spicy Chickpea Quinoa Crackers

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, Iโ€™m Lucy! Iโ€™m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. Iโ€™ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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