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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    20 Weeknight Chili Recipes That Your Whole Family Will Love

    Published: May 5, 2025 by Maggie Unzueta

    A bowl of beef chili topped with shredded cheese and corn chips, garnished with chopped green onions. Next to the bowl is a spoon, and surrounding it are side dishes, including sour cream and green onions on a light blue surface.

    Weeknight chili recipes make busy nights a lot easier while still giving you something warm and tasty to enjoy. These dishes come together fast but taste like they’ve been cooking all day. When you want something filling and full of flavor without all the fuss, chili is a great choice. You can easily mix things up to match your taste or diet. With these recipes, dinner will be on the table in no time, and everyone’s going to love it.

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Table of Contents

    • 1 Instant Pot Wendy’s Chili Copycat
    • 2 Slow Cooker Chipotle Chili
    • 3 Instant Pot Chili Frito Pie
    • 4 Three Bean Chili
    • 5 Easy Vegan Chili Recipe (Best One Pot Recipe)
    • 6 Chili for a Crowd (Beef & Chorizo)
    • 7 The Best Lentil Chili
    • 8 Pumpkin Vegan Chili
    • 9 Vegetarian Butternut Squash Chili with Beer
    • 10 Brisket Chili
    • 11 Fall Harvest Chili with Squash and Sweet Potato
    • 12 Meaty Slow Cooker Steak Chili
    • 13 Dutch Oven Turkey Chili
    • 14 Spicy Slow Cooker Chili
    • 15 Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
    • 16 Best Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili
    • 17 Turkey Bell Pepper Chili
    • 18 Venison Chili
    • 19 Beanless Chili
    • 20 Instant Pot Creamy White Bean and Turkey Chili

    Instant Pot Wendy’s Chili Copycat

    A bowl of chili with ground meat, beans, and chopped green onions is garnished with a dollop of sour cream. It's served on an orange placemat, with a spoon in the bowl.
    Instant Pot Wendy’s Chili Copycat. Photo credit: Eating in an Instant.

    Instant Pot Wendy’s Chili Copycat brings those classic fast-food flavors home with a quick chili that’s packed with ground beef and beans.
    Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Wendy’s Chili Copycat

    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

    Slow Cooker Chipotle Chili brings bold, smoky chipotle flavor and is perfect for slow-cooking your way to an easy and tasty dinner.
    Get Recipe: Slow Cooker Chipotle Chili

    Instant Pot Chili Frito Pie

    A bowl of chili topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and corn chips. A spoon rests in the bowl. The dish is on a white surface with a textured cloth nearby.
    Instant Pot Chili Frito Pie. Photo credit: Eating in an Instant.

    Instant Pot Chili Frito Pie layers chili and crunchy Fritos for a fun and filling meal that everyone at the table will get excited about.
    Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chili Frito Pie

    Three Bean Chili

    A bowl of chili topped with shredded cheese and sliced jalapeños, surrounded by a blue cloth, three spoons, and green onions on a white surface. Another partial bowl of chili and a piece of bread are visible.
    Three Bean Chili. Photo credit: I Heart Eating.

    Three Bean Chili uses a trio of beans in a bold broth, making it a hearty dish that’s great for meatless Mondays or anytime you want something cozy.
    Get the Recipe: Three Bean Chili

    Easy Vegan Chili Recipe (Best One Pot Recipe)

    A dark table setting with bowls of chili containing beans, corn, and tomatoes, garnished with cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and red onions. Lime slices and tortilla pieces are on the side, with additional chili in a pot nearby.
    Easy Vegan Chili Recipe (Best One Pot Recipe). Photo credit: Raepublic.

    Easy Vegan Chili Recipe (Best One Pot Recipe) is full of beans, veggies, and spice, all cooked in one pot for a no-fuss dinner that’s packed with flavor.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Chili Recipe (Best One Pot Recipe)

    Chili for a Crowd (Beef & Chorizo)

    A bowl of chili topped with shredded cheese and chopped green onions. A spoon rests on the side of the bowl. A gray and white checkered cloth is partially visible next to the bowl on a dark surface.
    Chili for a Crowd (Beef & Chorizo). Photo credit: Binky’s Culinary Carnival.

    Chili for a Crowd (Beef & Chorizo) is made with spicy chorizo and big bold flavors. This recipe is perfect for when you need to comfort. Serve with cornbread for a big crowd. They are sure to love it!
    Get the Recipe: Chili for a Crowd (Beef & Chorizo)

    The Best Lentil Chili

    A large pot of hearty chili with beans, vegetables, and a wooden spoon. The chili is rich and thick, with visible chunks of tomatoes and peppers. Fresh cilantro is placed nearby on a wooden surface.
    The Best Lentil Chili. Photo credit: My Quiet Kitchen.

    The Best Lentil Chili is full of soft lentils and rich spices, making it a cozy dinner that’s both healthy and hearty.
    Get the Recipe: The Best Lentil 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.

    Pumpkin Vegan Chili has warm fall spices and creamy pumpkin, turning a simple bowl of chili into a comforting autumn meal. Be sure to add this one to your collection of chili recipes.
    Get Recipe: Pumpkin Vegan Chili

    Vegetarian Butternut Squash Chili with Beer

    Three bowls of chili topped with chopped red onions and cilantro are placed on a light surface. A bowl of cilantro and a small dish of additional red onions are nearby, with a folded napkin in the background.
    Vegetarian Butternut Squash Chili with Beer. Photo credit: Toshi’s Table.

    Vegetarian Butternut Squash Chili with Beer mixes sweet squash and beans with a splash of beer for a rich, meat-free chili that’s big on flavor.
    Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Butternut Squash Chili with Beer

    Brisket Chili

    A bowl of chili garnished with chopped cilantro and shredded cheese, topped with sliced red peppers. It is surrounded by round crackers on a plate.
    Brisket Chili. Photo credit: Out Grilling.

    Brisket Chili uses tender brisket to bring bold, meaty flavor, giving you a chili that feels like it cooked all day without the wait.
    Get the Recipe: Brisket Chili

    Fall Harvest Chili with Squash and Sweet Potato

    A bowl of chili topped with diced avocado and a dollop of sour cream. The chili contains ground meat, corn, black beans, tomatoes, and chunks of sweet potato. Tortilla chips and a small bowl of avocado are on the side.
    Fall Harvest Chili with Squash and Sweet Potato. Photo credit: Maplevine Kitchen.

    Fall Harvest Chili with Squash and Sweet Potato brings sweet and spicy together with hearty veggies for a comforting fall-inspired meal.
    Get the Recipe: Fall Harvest Chili with Squash and Sweet Potato

    Meaty Slow Cooker Steak Chili

    A bowl of beef chili topped with shredded cheese and corn chips, garnished with chopped green onions. Next to the bowl is a spoon, and surrounding it are side dishes, including sour cream and green onions on a light blue surface.
    Meaty Slow Cooker Steak Chili. Photo credit: The Dinner Bell Recipes.

    Meaty Slow Cooker Steak Chili has chunks of steak in a thick, rich sauce that makes dinner feel special even on a regular weeknight.
    Get the Recipe: Meaty Slow Cooker Steak Chili

    Dutch Oven Turkey Chili

    A bowl of chili with beans and minced meat, garnished with cilantro, sits on a white rustic table. A spoon rests on the side of the bowl, accompanied by a piece of cornbread and a small bowl of sour cream.
    Dutch Oven Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Camp Grill Eat.

    Dutch Oven Turkey Chili simmers ground turkey and veggies until tender, making it a great dish to let cook while you do other things.
    Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Turkey Chili

    Spicy Slow Cooker Chili

    A bowl of hearty chili with ground beef, red kidney beans, and diced tomatoes, garnished with chopped green and red bell peppers. A wooden spoon and a plate with sliced red chilies are in the background.
    Spicy Slow Cooker Chili. Photo credit: Kim Schob.

    Spicy Slow Cooker Chili brings the heat with every bite, combining beef, beans, and spice in a meal that practically makes itself.
    Get the Recipe: Spicy Slow Cooker Chili

    Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

    A bowl of creamy soup garnished with fresh cilantro sits on a table. The soup appears to contain corn and shredded chicken. Beside it are a garlic bulb and sprigs of cilantro. A blue and white striped cloth is partially visible.
    Instant Pot White Chicken Chili. Photo credit: Eat Your Beets.

    Instant Pot White Chicken Chili is creamy and packed with tender chicken and beans, making it a perfect quick-fix comfort food.
    Get the Recipe: Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

    Best Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili

    A bowl of hearty bean chili garnished with fresh cilantro is surrounded by ingredients including yellow bell pepper, onion, garlic, spices, and chili peppers. A napkin, spoon, and mortar and pestle accompany the scene.
    Best Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili. Photo credit: Eat Your Beets.

    Best Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili mixes beans, veggies, and spices for a plant-based dish that’s super flavorful and easy to make. Perfect for those looking for meatless chili recipes.
    Get the Recipe: Best Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili

    Turkey Bell Pepper Chili

    A bowl of vibrant taco soup filled with colorful diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and green peppers, all in a rich tomato broth, viewed from above on a marble surface.
    Turkey Bell Pepper Chili. Photo credit: JCP Eats.

    Turkey Bell Pepper Chili blends sweet peppers and lean turkey into a light chili that still feels super satisfying.
    Get the Recipe: Turkey Bell Pepper Chili

    Venison Chili

    A bowl of chili topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and cilantro is surrounded by tortilla chips and crackers. A pot of chili is partially visible on the side, with a sprig of fresh cilantro nearby.
    Venison Chili. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

    Venison Chili puts a wild twist on classic chili with lean venison and bold spices for a meal that’s a little different but totally delicious.
    Get the Recipe: Venison Chili

    Beanless Chili

    A bowl of chili topped with sour cream, chopped red onions, jalapeño slices, and a lemon wedge on a rustic wooden table. A spoon is placed in the bowl, and tortilla chips are on the side. Another bowl of chili is partially visible.
    Beanless Chili. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

    Beanless Chili skips the beans but still brings big chili flavor, perfect if you’re looking for a lower-carb dinner that doesn’t skimp on taste.
    Get the Recipe: Beanless Chili

    Instant Pot Creamy White Bean and Turkey Chili

    A blue bowl filled with creamy white chicken chili topped with avocado slices, tortilla chips, and fresh cilantro. A spoon rests inside the bowl. Another bowl and a checkered cloth are partially visible next to a woven tray.
    Instant Pot Creamy White Bean and Turkey Chili. Photo credit: My Quiet Kitchen.

    Instant Pot Creamy White Bean and Turkey Chili is creamy and packed with lean turkey and white beans, making it a fast and filling dinner. This is great for those looking for creamy chili recipes.
    Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Creamy White Bean and Turkey Chili

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    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the face behind In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been publishing Mexican recipes and creating delicious recipes since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

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    iBienvenidos! I'm Maggie. Welcome to my blog! My passion is authentic Mexican food and traveling throughout Mexico to bring you the very BEST in culture and cuisine.

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