25 Best Chili Recipes You'll Want To Make Again and Again

Try these mouthwatering chili recipes, including vegetarian and slow cooker types. We’ve scoured the web for the 25 Best Chili Recipes you will be making all season long.

A big blue pot of chili on a marble table next to a pan of cornbread with one piece missing.

The secret to a good chili is all in the long, slow simmer and the right seasoning. Lucky for us, autumn has arrived and there will be plenty of opportunity to cozy up to the stove and make a pot or two of chili.

Ready your Dutch oven, Instant Pot and your crockpot and dive into these recipes because I’ve got something for every chili-lover out there. Whether you are a fan of vegan chili, extra-spicy chili, Cincinnati chili, or even Malaysian-style chili I’ve got them all and they are fabulous!

If the weather turns even the slightest bit chilly and you’ve suddenly got the urge to buy up all the chili powder, meat, and beans, I’m right there with you. I’ve scoured the web and pulled together the 25 best chili recipes I could find to keep you in chili heaven all season long.

25 Best Chili Recipes

1. Chipotle Black Bean Chili from ¡Hola! Jalapeño

I have been making this plant-based chili recipe for years. It uses fresh, wholesome ingredients like dried black beans, jalapeños, and chipotles in adobo sauce. It takes a bit of time because we are working with dried beans, but the flavor is totally worth it. Serve with homemade gorditas de maiz—perfect for dipping.

A large bowl of black bean chili topped with sour cream, chopped cilantro, shredded orange cheese, next to corn bread.

2. Chickpea and White Bean Chili from This Mess Is Ours

Meg created this super healthy chili recipe with loads of vegetables, spices and tons of flavor. It is vegan (as long as you don’t garnish it with sour cream and cheese) and gluten-free making it an awesome option if you are feeding a crowd of different dietary needs.

Two bowls of lightly colored chili topped with cilantro, sliced red chiles, shredded cheese and sour cream. — Image from This Mess Is Ours

3. Butternut Squash Chili with Black Beans from The Delicious Life

Sarah from The Delicious Life created this super yummy chili recipe to be made on the stove top or slow cooker. The recipe is fast and easy and you probably already have the ingredients in your pantry. She suggests to top each bowl with Fritos and sour cream—sounds good to me!

A cast iron skillet of chili topped with Fritos, avocado, shredded cheese and a wood spoon next to it with little bowls. — Image from The Delicious Life

4. Hearty Dutch Oven Chili from Britney Breaks Bread

Made with ground beef and two kinds of beans this a super hearty and belly-warming chili. Like all chili recipes it freezes beautifully so you can make a big batch and freeze half in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Make sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

A overflowing bowl of chili with cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, cilantro, and cornbread on top. — Image from Britney Breaks Bread

5. Green Tomato Chili from ¡Hola! Jalapeño

To get the best flavor in chili is the right balance between spicy, salty, sour, and even a touch of sweet. This beef chili hits all those notes with jalapeños, a good mix of spices like paprika and cumin, and tangy green tomatoes. If you are a gardener and find yourself with lots of green tomatoes when the season ends, this is an excellent way to use them.

A bowl of chili with lots of cilantro, white shredded cheese, small purple onions, and avocado slices on top.

6. Rich Pumpkin Chili from G-Free Foodie

Looking for a luscious dish of chili? Look no further than this Pumpkin Chili which has silky pumpkin puree added to the soup making for an almost creamy texture (with zero cream whatsoever). This is a thick and super hearty chili made for cold nights.

A large bowl of meaty chili topped with shredded cheese, green onions, and chopped tomatoes. — Image from G-Free Foodie

7. The Best Easy-To-Make Chili from Eat The Love

Prepare a batch of cornbread and get ready to dig in to this easy homemade chili recipe from my friend Irvin. All you have to do is chop the onion, bell pepper, and garlic and toss it all into a pot. The taste evolves as it simmers away, and gets even better the next day!

Bright red chili topped with shredded orange cheese, cilantro, and sour cream next to a few spoons and cornbread. — Image from Eat the Love

8. White Bean and Poblano White Chicken Chili from Salt & Wind

While some would argue that beef is the most flavorful meat for chili, I think this chicken chili recipe from my good friend Aida proves that beef is not the only option. Using lean boneless, skinless chicken makes it healthier too! I love the addition of potatoes here, makes it feel even more indulgent.

Two bowls of chili with potatoes in it and a dollop of sour cream on top of the bowl next to some green napkins. — Image from Salt & Wind

9. Malaysian-Inspired Turkey Chili from A Girl Defloured

If you want to make a truly unique bowl of chili, try the Malaysian-inspired turkey chili recipe from Alison of A Girl Defloured. It has coconut milk, lemongrass, and ginger. This recipe still has some kick from jalapeños but not too spicy and totally different. Garnish with lots of fresh herbs like cilantro and green onion. Yum!

A white bowl filled with ground meat topped with cilantro leaves and sliced green onions. — Image from A Girl Defloured

10. Instant Pot Beef and Chipotle Chili from ¡Hola! Jalapeño

I do think a chili gets better with a nice low and slow simmer, but sometimes when I’m in a hurry, I’ll make a quick batch of this spicy Instant Pot chili. It has robust flavor from chili powder, kidney beans, and oregano. The canned chipotle chiles in adobo give it a smoky, warming heat.

A brown bowl filled with red chili with thinly sliced red onion and blue tortilla chips and sliced radishes in the bowl. — Image from ¡Hola! Jalapeño

11. Instant Pot White Chicken Chili from The Almond Eater

Another fast Instant Pot recipe from Erin of The Almond Eater. This one is a bit lighter made with chicken broth, corn, and Hatch green chilies. The protein of choice here is boneless, skinless chicken which offers great texture once it is shredded and mixed back into the chili.

A bowl of white chili with chicken and corn and topped with avocado slices and fried strips of tortillas with a spoon. — Image from The Almond Eater

12. Slow Cooker Chili from A Farmgirl’s Dabble

Now time for a crockpot favorite. I love this recipe so much I also included it in my Delicious and Cheap Crock Pot Meal recipe collection. It is full of all the classic chili vibes we crave. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and tortilla chips for the ultimate comforting bowl.

A bowl of chili with tomatoes and red kidney beans topped with Frito chips, shredded orange cheese, and sour cream. — Image from A Farmgirl’s Dabble

13. Chocolate Chili from Foolproof Living

Made with ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and lots of spices the real star in this chili is chocolate. This secret ingredient doesn’t make the chili taste chocolatey or sweet but gives it tons of body and richness. Give it a try and see what you think!

A bowl of chili with sweet potato hunks, ground meat and red kidney beans topped with pumpkin seeds and tomatoes. — Image from Foolproof Living

14. Lamb and White Bean Chili with Masa Dumplings from ¡Hola! Jalapeño

This lamb chili is truly a stunner when you want to impress. It is warm and comforting with fluffy dumplings made from masa harina floating on top.

Brothy lamb chili with hunks of lamb meat and masa dumplings floating on top of the bowl of soup. — Image from ¡Hola! Jalapeño

15. 30-Minute Turkey Chili from So Much Food Blog

The photo alone makes me want to devour a bowl of this amazing chili. What intrigues me the most is how easy it is! Well that, and the super interesting flavor profile. The recipe includes all the usual suspects but then gets an extra flavor boost from yellow mustard, Worcestershire, and hot sauce.

A big bowl of chili topped with orange and white cheese shreds, a few Frito chips, a dollop of sour cream and sliced jalapeños. — Image from So Much Food Blog

16. Slow Cooker Red Pork Chili from Jessica Gavin

The best way to make your chili more flavorful is to use well-marbled meat. Meaning meat that has a good amount of fat. This recipe from Jessica Gavin calls for country-style pork ribs which get tender and succulent as it simmers in the chili.

A close-up of a spoonful of chili with cilantro leaves and a shredded piece of pork on the spoon. — Image from Jessica Gavin

17. Chicken Chili with White Beans and Hominy from ¡Hola! Jalapeño

This lighter, more brothy version of chili is great if you want a warming soup that doesn’t leave you feeling like you need to take a nap afterward. This chili is gluten-free and has lots of extra veggies like zucchini and hominy.

Two bowls of chili on a white cloth on top of blue and white doilies topped with sour cream and crumbled cheese . — Image from ¡Hola! Jalapeño

18. Cincinnati Chili from The Cookie Rookie

We can’t talk about chili without talking about Cincinnati Chili. Becky’s recipe is a family favorite and it is a classic—chili served over spaghetti with shredded cheddar cheese and oyster crackers. Sounds crazy, tastes amazing.

A bowl of spaghetti topped with chili and shredded cheese and oyster crackers on top on a gray tablecloth. — Image from The Cookie Rookie

19. Vegan White Bean Sweet Potato Chili from Heather Christo

Make this vegan chili super indulgent by piling each bowl high with avocado, thinly sliced chiles, scallions, and cilantro. Heather suggests serving with tortilla chips or even potato chips for dipping.

A white bowl filled with an orange chili that has avocado and chopped cilantro on top and flower petals all around. — Image from Heather Christo

20. Butternut Squash Chickpea Chili from The Almond Eater

This vegetarian chili from Erin of The Almond Eater is super cozy and makes amazing leftovers. Make a batch and keep in the freezer or fridge until you’re ready to enjoy for another meal.

Two bowls of brothy chili with cheese and pasta on top and a little bowl of chili powder next to it. — Image from The Almond Eater

21. Healthy Slow Cooker Chili from All the Healthy Things

Protein-packed is the best way to describe this yummy chili. It is made with ground beef but feel free to swap ground turkey or chicken for a chili that is lower in fat and calories. Ashley also suggests substituting some of the kidney beans for black beans. Super adaptable and incredibly delicious!

Two bowls of chili topped with avocado and little bowls of shredded cheese and sour cream next to them. — Image from All the Healthy Things

22. Instant Pot Chili Mac from So Much Food Blog

We’ve talked about Cincinnati Chili so now we have to discuss Chili Mac. Chili plus macaroni and cheese in the same bowl? I’ve died and gone to heaven. This recipe is quick and easy, made in the Instant Pot and ready in 30 minutes.

A white bowl filled with macaroni with chili mixed in with Frito chips on top and a dollop of sour cream and spoon sticking out. — Image from So Much Food Blog

23. Instant Pot Pork Chili Verde with Cheese from ¡Hola! Jalapeño

Shredded cheese doesn’t just have to go on top of your chili. Strings of melty, mouthwatering cheese are what you get when you put a handful of Monterey Jack or mozzarella into the bottom of a bowl of chili. Yes please! Give it a try for an instant chili upgrade.

A woman in a pink shirt spooning a spoonful of chili with cheese coming off the spoon and tostadas next to it. — Image from ¡Hola! Jalapeño

24. Smoky Beer Pulled Chicken Chili from Yes To Yolks

A good way to perk up bland chili is by adding a bottle of beer! It adds richness and depth of flavor like no other ingredients. A little smoke from fire-roasted tomatoes and smoked paprika don’t hurt either. Try Molly’s recipe and see what you think.

A pot of chili made with shredded chicken, hunks of tomatoes, and black beans with a wood spoon stirring it. — Image from Yes To Yolks

25. Creamy Chili with Rice from Little Broken

While it’s not super common to serve chili over rice, that doesn’t mean it’s not incredibly tempting. I love the spiced chicken pieces and the creamy drizzle of whipping cream at the end. Serve over a bed of steamed rice with fresh spoonfuls of Pico de Gallo over each bowl.

A white bowl filled with chicken chili topped with white rice and pico de Gallo and a spoon sticking into the bowl. — Image from Little Broken

More Recipe Collections To Explore:

Fellow Chili Aficionados

You’ve come to the right place. There’s plenty of chili inspiration to keep you satisfied until spring and beyond. Drop me a comment below and let me know which ones you’ve tried. Share a photo and tag me on Instagram using @katesbestrecipes so that I can see! Also, sign up for my weekly recipe newsletter so you never miss a thing.