20 Best Chili Recipes That Bring the Heat and Comfort

Nothing beats a big bowl of chili when you want something hearty and filling. The best chili recipes give you lots of options. From meaty classics to veggie-packed versions, they’re all simple to make and taste even better the next day. Whether you like it spicy, smoky, or sweet, there’s a chili here for you. Great for family dinners or feeding friends, these dishes will keep everyone happy and full.

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Dutch Oven Chili with Ground Beef and Sweet Potato

A pot of chili with sweet potatoes, beans, and ground meat is garnished with chopped green onions. A wooden spoon is stirring the mixture. A striped cloth is partially visible beneath the pot. — Dutch Oven Chili with Ground Beef and Sweet Potato. Photo credit: Sugar & Snap Peas.

Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness to balance the spice. The Dutch oven makes the beef extra tender. Cheese melts perfectly on top of each serving.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Chili with Ground Beef and Sweet Potato

Slow Cooker Chipotle Chili

A bowl of chili topped with sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions, resting on a patterned cloth. A wooden spoon and scattered green onions are in the background. — Slow Cooker Chipotle Chili. Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Let your slow cooker do the work with this smoky chipotle chili. The peppers give it deep flavor that gets better as it cooks. Just dump everything in and come back to a ready meal. Perfect for busy days!

Get Recipe: Slow Cooker Chipotle Chili

Pumpkin Vegan Chili

A bowl of spicy pumpkin soup garnished with chopped onions and green jalapeño slices. The soup is placed on a rustic wooden table adorned with small pumpkins, autumn leaves, and sprigs of fresh cilantro, evoking a warm fall ambiance. — Pumpkin Vegan Chili. Photo credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

Delicious pumpkin mixes with beans and spices in this meat-free chili. The pumpkin makes it creamy without any dairy. It’s filling, healthy, and full of fall flavors that everyone will enjoy, even if they’re not vegan.

Get Recipe: Pumpkin Vegan Chili

Beer Chili

A large pot of chili with beans, tomatoes, onion, and peppers in a rich, reddish-brown sauce sits on a stove with a ladle nearby. The pot is blue and rests on a black trivet, with a light blue cloth beside it. — Beer Chili. Photo credit: Champagne Tastes.

Your favorite beer adds deep flavor to this hearty chili. The alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a rich taste. Cheese and sour cream on top make it even better. Perfect for game day!
Get the Recipe: Beer Chili

Vegan Chili

A bowl of chili topped with sour cream, sliced green onions, and a lime wedge. Garnished with cilantro leaves. There's a spoon on the side, surrounded by cilantro and a green chili pepper on a dark surface. — Vegan Chili. Photo credit: Green Heart Love.

Packed with beans and veggies, this chili proves you don’t need meat. The spices give it plenty of flavor while keeping it healthy. Even meat-eaters will go back for seconds of this plant-based version.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chili

Ground Chicken Chili

A bowl of chili topped with shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños, avocado slices, and a dollop of sour cream. Nearby are bowls of extra shredded cheese and sour cream on a light gray surface. — Ground Chicken Chili. Photo credit: Flavor The Moments.

Lighter than beef but just as tasty, this chicken chili is great for weeknights. The lean meat soaks up all the spices. Top with avocado for creaminess without the guilt.
Get the Recipe: Ground Chicken Chili

Instant Pot Turkey Quinoa Chili

A bowl of chili topped with diced avocado, chopped green onions, and shredded cheese. A spoon is resting in the bowl, and a piece of bread is placed on the rim. The background is a light blue surface. — Instant Pot Turkey Quinoa Chili. Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

Turkey and quinoa make this chili healthy but still satisfying. The Instant Pot cooks it fast without losing any flavor. Great when you need dinner quick but still want something good for you.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Turkey Quinoa Chili

Slow Cooker Bison Chili

A black bowl filled with chili, topped with grated cheese, sour cream, and a sliced jalapeño. Fresh herbs are sprinkled on top. Another bowl of chili and a small plate with cheese are partially visible. — Slow Cooker Bison Chili. Photo credit: In The Kitch.

Bison meat gives this chili a unique, slightly sweet taste. It’s leaner than beef but just as flavorful. The slow cooker makes the meat melt-in-your-mouth tender. Serve with cornbread for the perfect combo.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Bison Chili

Venison Chili with Beer

Two bowls of chili topped with shredded cheese and sliced jalapeños are on a dark surface. Fresh jalapeños and sliced pieces are scattered around. Two silver spoons lie nearby. — Venison Chili with Beer. Photo credit: Champagne Tastes.

This wild game chili gets extra depth from dark beer. The venison soaks up all the flavors as it cooks. Rustic and filling, it’s ideal after a long day outdoors.
Get the Recipe: Venison Chili with Beer

Crockpot Chili

A bowl of chili with kidney beans, corn, minced meat, and diced tomatoes garnished with cilantro. Red chili peppers are scattered nearby, and a bottle of olive oil and fresh herbs are in the background. — Crockpot Chili. Photo credit: Chew Out Loud.

Dump everything in the slow cooker and forget it. Hours later, you’ll have rich, thick chili waiting. The long cook time makes the flavors amazing. Easiest dinner ever!
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chili

Texas Roadhouse Chili

A person reaches for a bowl of chili topped with cheese, jalapeños, sour cream, and corn chips. A slice of lime and cornbread are nearby. Two more bowls of chili with similar toppings are partially visible. — Texas Roadhouse Chili. Photo credit: Confetti & Bliss.

Smoky and spicy just like the restaurant version, but homemade. Ground beef and chili peppers make it classic. Cool it down with sour cream if it’s too hot for you.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Chili

Chili with Kidney Beans

A bowl of hearty chili topped with sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. A hand is holding the bowl. Fresh green onions and a knife are next to a cutting board in the background. — Chili with Kidney Beans. Photo credit: Cooking with Wine Blog.

Classic chili with meaty beans in every bite. Simple to make but always satisfying. A spoonful of cool sour cream balances the heat perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Chili with Kidney Beans

Vegan Pumpkin Chili [Crockpot + Stove]

A bowl of hearty vegetable chili with chickpeas, tomatoes, and beans, garnished with fresh parsley. A spoon rests inside the bowl, which is placed on a light-colored surface near a white napkin. — Vegan Pumpkin Chili [Crockpot + Stove]. Photo credit: Plant-Based on a Budget.

Pumpkin makes this meatless chili creamy and slightly sweet. The crockpot does all the work while you’re busy. Pumpkin seeds on top add nice crunch.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pumpkin Chili [Crockpot + Stove]

Turkey Chili

A bowl of chili filled with black beans, tomatoes, green peppers, and ground meat. A spoon rests in the bowl. Tortilla chips are scattered around on the wooden table surface. — Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Chew Out Loud.

Lean turkey keeps this chili light but still filling. The spices give it plenty of flavor without being too heavy. Cornbread on the side makes it a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili

Campfire Chili

A bowl of chili topped with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. The chili contains chunks of tomato, kidney beans, and minced meat, all in a thick, hearty sauce. A spoon rests in the bowl. — Campfire Chili. Photo credit: Quiche My Grits.

Make this outdoors or on your stove – either way it’s great. The smokiness makes it special. Dip bread right into the bowl!
Get the Recipe: Campfire Chili

Best Texas Chili from Scratch

A bowl of spicy chili topped with shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños, chopped green onions, and diced onions. A spoon is resting in the bowl, and a green chili pepper is placed nearby on a wooden board. A checkered cloth is in the background. — Best Texas Chili from Scratch. Photo credit: Cooking with Wine Blog.

This authentic Texas chili packs serious flavor with chunks of beef and a spicy kick. It simmers low and slow to make the meat super tender. Top it with fresh jalapeños if you like extra heat. A must-try for real chili lovers!
Get the Recipe: Best Texas Chili from Scratch

Pork Chili (or Spicy Pork Stew?)

A bowl of chili with black beans, sausage, cheese, avocado, a dollop of sour cream, and cilantro, garnished with a lime wedge. Beside it, a slice of buttered bread and a glass of iced tea. An orange pepper and cherry tomato are nearby. — Pork Chili (or Spicy Pork Stew?). Photo credit: Art of Natural Living.

Tender pork soaks up all the spicy flavors. Hearty and different from beef chili. Cool it down with sour cream if needed.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chili (or Spicy Pork Stew?)

The Best Slow Cooker Vegan Chili

Two bowls of chili topped with avocado slices, sour cream, jalapeño slices, lime wedges, and tortilla chips—an effortless dump-and-cook dinner. A spoon rests on a plaid napkin beside the bowls, surrounded by scattered chips and fresh ingredients. — The Best Slow Cooker Vegan Chili. Photo credit: Happy Kitchen.

Even meat lovers enjoy this plant-based version. The slow cooker makes the beans perfect. Avocado on top adds creaminess.
Get the Recipe: The Best Slow Cooker Vegan Chili

Colorado Pork Green Chili Recipe (+ Instant Pot & Crockpot Directions)

A bowl of chili with chunks of meat and red beans, topped with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, lime wedges, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro on a white marble surface. — Colorado Pork Green Chili Recipe (+ Instant Pot & Crockpot Directions). Photo credit: Mae’s Menu.

Green chilies give this pork chili tangy heat. Make it fast in the Instant Pot or slow all day. Warm tortillas are the perfect side.
Get the Recipe: Colorado Pork Green Chili Recipe (+ Instant Pot & Crockpot Directions)

Chocolate Chili

A bowl of chili filled with ground meat, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, chopped onions, sweet potatoes, and herbs. Topped with pumpkin seeds and fresh cilantro, showcasing a mix of vibrant colors. The bowl sits on a light pink surface. — Chocolate Chili. Photo credit: Food Proof Living.

Dark chocolate adds rich depth to this unique chili. Sounds weird but tastes amazing. The chocolate makes it special without being sweet.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chili