Chili is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you prefer it loaded with beans, bursting with spice, or simmering in rich tomato goodness, there’s a chili recipe for every taste. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner, preparing for a game day party, or simply craving something warm and hearty, chili is the ultimate go-to. It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to your taste, whether you like it mild or spicy, loaded with beans or meat, or completely vegetarian. In this post, I’m sharing some of the best chili recipes that are sure to please every palate. From classic beef chili to creative twists like sweet potato turkey chili, there’s a recipe here for everyone to enjoy. Let’s dive in!
1. Classic Beef Chili
For traditionalists, nothing beats a hearty bowl of classic beef chili. This rich recipe is perfect for those who love a no-fuss, comforting meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can of kidney beans, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro
Instructions:
- In a large pot, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, and paprika, allowing the spices to toast.
- Pour in the beans and tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer on low for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese or sour cream.
2. White Chicken Chili
For a lighter, creamier take on chili, this white chicken chili recipe is a delicious alternative. Packed with tender chicken, white beans, and a hint of heat, it’s a winner for any meal and is so different from its classic counterpart, that you could even get away with having chili twice in one week!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cans white beans, drained
- 1 can of green chilies
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Optional toppings: avocado slices, fresh cilantro, tortilla chips
Instructions:
- Sauté the onions and garlic in a large pot until softened.
- Add cumin, oregano, and chili powder, and cook for a minute to release the flavors.
- Stir in the chicken, beans, and green chilies.
- Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in sour cream to make the chili creamy.
- Serve with your favorite toppings like avocado slices or tortilla chips.
3. Vegetarian Black Bean Chili
This vegetarian black bean chili is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for those looking for a meat-free option. The beans provide all the protein and texture you need for a satisfying meal. This is so delicious, even meat lovers won’t miss the meat here!
Ingredients:
- 2 cans of black beans, drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: diced avocado, lime wedges, sour cream
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté the onions, bell pepper, and garlic until softened.
- Add chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, stirring to coat the vegetables.
- Stir in the black beans, corn, and tomatoes.
- Let it simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper, and serve with your favorite toppings.
4. Sweet Potato and Turkey Chili
This healthy sweet potato and turkey chili recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a lighter, yet flavorful option. Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness that balances the spice perfectly. This is another great spinoff of the classic.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can of black beans, drained
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, shredded cheese, cilantro
Instructions:
- Brown the turkey in a large pot, and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the onions and garlic until soft.
- Stir in chili powder and cumin, toasting the spices for a minute.
- Add the sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and chicken broth. Let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in the black beans and browned turkey, cooking for another 10 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Serve with jalapeños or your preferred toppings.
5. Crockpot Chili
For busy days, nothing beats the convenience of a slow cooker. This crockpot chili is rich, flavorful, and requires minimal effort. This is how I make my chili the majority of the time. And if you’re looking for some other easy fall crockpot recipes, check here!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 2 cans of kidney beans, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Brown the meat in a skillet, then transfer to the crockpot.
- Add all other ingredients to the crockpot, stirring to combine.
- Set on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Serve directly from the crockpot with your favorite toppings.
6. Smoky Chipotle Chili
For those who love a smoky, spicy kick, this chipotle chili recipe will be a game-changer. The chipotle peppers add a rich, deep flavor that sets this chili apart. It’s perfect for anyone who likes a bit of heat and bold taste in their bowl.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 can of kidney beans, drained
- 1 can of black beans, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
- 1 tbsp adobo sauce (from the chipotle can)
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, lime wedges
Instructions:
-
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef or turkey. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onions and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano, allowing the spices to toast for a minute.
- Add the chopped chipotle peppers and adobo sauce, mixing well to combine.
- Pour in the beans, diced tomatoes, and broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Let the chili cook on low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to let the flavors meld.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or a squeeze of lime for extra brightness.
No matter your chili preference—spicy, mild, meaty, or plant-based—there’s something so satisfying about a warm, flavorful dish that everyone loves. These chili recipes are perfect for meal prepping, weeknight dinners, or even big gatherings, offering endless versatility and comfort. Try out one (or all!) of these recipes and feel free to put your own spin on them. Chili is meant to be personalized, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and toppings.
Let me know in the comments if you’ve made any great tweaks to these recipes!
XOXO,
Katie
