When the weather gets chilly outside, there is pretty much NOTHING better than a warm, comforting bowl of chili.
You might usually make the exact same recipe every single time.
But sometimes, it is fun to mix things up with a totally different flavor.
Chili can be spicy, sweet, smoky, or loaded with your favorite toppings.
I put together a list of the best chili recipes, so you feel extra inspired to try something new for dinner.
These chili ideas include classic beef bowls, plus unique and delicious chicken, turkey, and vegetarian options.
There is something for every type of appetite—and every kind of cooking skill level.
So whether you are feeding a hungry family on a Tuesday night or hosting a big weekend watch party, these cozy bowls make the ULTIMATE comfort food.
Let’s dive right into the recipes!
1. Bell Pepper Chili
Bell Pepper Chili brings a fun twist to a classic favorite by loading sweet bell peppers into a hearty stew.
Served hot over a bed of fluffy white rice, this comforting meal is filling and easy to make on a busy weeknight.
It is a great way to warm up your family with a satisfying bowl of food.
Recipe from Wikibooks, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
2. Chili (Vegan)
Vegan Chili is a hearty and plant-based dish packed with wholesome beans and fresh vegetables.
A touch of molasses gives this thick stew a rich flavor that tastes amazing without any meat products.
This flexible recipe is simple to prepare and makes a wonderful dinner for everyone at the table.
Recipe from Wikibooks, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
3. Easy Chili
Easy Chili is a simple and fast recipe that brings classic comfort food straight to your kitchen.
With roots going back to Texas in the 1800s, this tasty dish requires very little effort to put together.
You can whip up a warm bowl of this savory meat and bean stew in no time at all.
Recipe from Wikibooks, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
4. Frito Pie Chili
Frito Pie Chili is a thick and savory meat stew designed to be spooned right over crunchy corn chips.
This fun and casual meal combines smoky flavors with a great crispy texture in every bite.
It is a quick and crowd-pleasing dinner idea for game nights or weekend gatherings.
Recipe from Wikibooks, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
5. Pedernales River Chili
Pedernales River Chili is a historic Texas dish that was famously loved by President Lyndon Johnson.
This savory beef or venison stew skips the heavy animal fat and adds fresh tomatoes and onions for a great taste.
It is a classic piece of American history that you can easily cook in your own kitchen today.
Recipe from Wikibooks, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
6. Texas Easy Chili
Texas Easy Chili is a traditional meat and tomato stew that keeps things simple with zero beans.
This savory dish uses a rich chili powder and tomato juice base combined with tender chunks of beef.
It is a classic recipe that honors the old roots of Texas cooking with bold and honest flavors.
Recipe from Wikibooks, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
7. Bean Chili
Bean Chili is a thick and hearty dish loaded with a delicious mix of tender beans and warm spices.
This wholesome meal is naturally filling and cooks up into a wonderfully thick stew.
It is a comforting and meat-free option that tastes great on a cold evening.
Recipe from Wikibooks, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
9. Award-Winning Chili
This award-winning chili brings a unique southwestern twist to your dinner table with its delicious poultry flavors.
You will love how this hearty meal blends comforting traditions from the Netherlands and beyond.
Serve it up hot for a cozy night in with family and friends.
Recipe from Foodista.com.
10. Backdoor Chili
This backdoor chili is a true Texas-style winner that keeps things simple and bold.
It skips the beans to focus purely on rich meat and spices just like a real cookoff champion.
Make a big batch of this classic comfort food for your next weekend gathering.
Recipe from Foodista.com.
11. Baked Chili With A Twist
This baked chili with a twist takes your favorite dinner and bakes it to bubbly perfection in the oven.
The warm and savory flavors blend together wonderfully as it cooks.
It is a fun and easy way to change up your standard weeknight routine.
Recipe from Foodista.com.
12. Best-Ever Veggie Chili
This best-ever veggie chili is packed with wholesome beans, ripe tomatoes, and tender zucchini.
It is a colorful and hearty meatless meal that feels deeply satisfying in every bite.
You can easily whip up this healthy bowl of goodness for a quick and comforting lunch or dinner.
Recipe from Foodista.com.
13. Black Bean, Corn & Chicken Chili
This black bean, corn, and chicken chili is a breeze to make using your slow cooker or crockpot.
Tender chicken and sweet corn come together with savory beans for a complete meal.
Just let it simmer away all day so you can come home to a warm and ready dinner.
Recipe from Foodista.com.
