18 Hearty Chili Recipes That'll Warm You Right Up

From classic recipes to unexpected renditions, you can't go wrong.

Easy Chili
Photo:

Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

When the weather starts to cool down, we're breaking out our slow cookers and Dutch ovens to whip up some stick-to-your-bones soups and stews. These simple dishes will fill you up, and the leftovers will last for days in your fridge (they taste just as good a day later, spooned over a baked potato). Butternut squash and tomato soups are two of our go-to fall classics, but there's no denying that chili is the ultimate cold-weather dish. A classic rendition is loaded with protein from beef or beans, stewed in with tomatoes and topped with a sprinkle of cheese and a dollop of sour cream. While you can't go wrong with the classics, we love chili for its versatility.

There are endless ways to put your own spin on a warm bowl—you can go for ground beef or mix it up with shredded chicken or turkey. Chili is a great one-pot way to bring new life to your leftover meat and feed the whole family. From Instant Pot Turkey White Chicken Chili to West Texas Chili, we have options that range from tried and true to innovative and creative. Follow all of our homemade chili advice and you'll be on your way to a hearty weeknight dinner in no time. Curl up with a big bowl of chili for a satisfying meal. Whether you like beef, chicken, turkey, veggie, or just beans, we've got a recipe you'll love.

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White Bean Chicken Chili

Southern Living White Bean Chicken Chili in a bowl to serve topped with sour cream and cheese

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

This cozy chili recipe comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for a night when you want to skip cooking and get straight to being cozy on the couch. To speed up the process even more, opt for a store-bought rotisserie chicken.

02 of 18

West Texas Chili

West Texas Chili
Southern Living

Don't mess with Texas. This no-bean chili is the star of the show in our Frito Pie, but can also be enjoyed all on its own.

03 of 18

Instant Pot Pulled Pork Chili

pulled pork chili
Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Melissa Gray Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke

You can't go wrong when BBQ and chili come together. This new stick-to-your-ribs chili is a great play on traditional pork chili. Barbecue sauce, slaw mix, and apple cider vinegar add unique flavors to the dish. No one will guess how easy this hearty stew is to whip up.

04 of 18

Instant Pot Chili Mac

Instant Pot Chili Mac
Photography and Styling: Caitlin Bensel

You might think of using your slow-cooker for chili, but have you ever tried a pressure-cooker? Mac and cheese meets chili for a flavorful and hearty dish that's on the table in just 30 minutes.

05 of 18

Vegetarian Skillet Chili

Vegetarian Skillet Chili
Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist Christine Keely

Vegetarians can finally get in on the fun with this plant-based, veggie-loaded chili recipe. You won't even miss the meat.

06 of 18

Cheesy Chili Hash Brown Bake

Cheesy Chili Hash Brown Bake
Jennifer Davick

These miniature hash brown bakes make for a fun and tasty lunch or dinner. No matter the time of day, top your chili with a generous layer of shredded potatoes and bubbling cheddar cheese.

07 of 18

Pork Chili Verde

Pork Chili Verde
Hector Sanchez

This recipe calls for fresh tomatillos, which look like small green tomatoes wrapped in thin papery skin. Remove the skin, and rinse before chopping. If you can't find fresh ones, look for the canned version at the grocery store.

08 of 18

Turkey Pumpkin Chili

turkey pumpkin chili
Photographer: Antonis Achilleos, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

Chiles add a kick, but the creamy pumpkin balances the heat for the perfect fall-flavored chili. Don't skip out on the fire-roasted crushed tomatoes—they give the dish a decidedly Southern accent.

09 of 18

Chili For A Crowd

Southern Living Chili For A Crowd in bowls to serve with glasses of beer

Will Dickey; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn

Whip up this hands-off dish for your next gathering. We loaded this family-friendly recipe with all the classic ingredients—beans, beef, onion, peppers, tomatoes, and an array of spices. Leftovers? Freeze for later, or make chili dogs for another great weeknight dinner.

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Classic Beef Chili

Classic Beef Chili
Greg DuPree

This dish comes together in under an hour, but it's just as comforting and delicious as if it had taken all day. Make this hearty meal for weeknights, game days, or weekend lunches—and don't forget to be generous with the toppings. We like limes, jalapeños, radishes, and sour cream, but the sky's the limit.

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Slow-Cooker Brisket Chili

Slow-Cooker Brisket Chili
Hector M. Sanchez

This recipe for brisket chili is perfect for a weeknight dinner, game-day feast, or after-church Sunday supper. Chock-full of flavor, thanks to savory spices such as ancho chile powder, cumin, and oregano, the cubed brisket and black beans combine to create a satisfying and filling meal for your hungry family.

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Easy Chili

Easy Chili

Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

This is the chili recipe for all occasions—load it up on a baked potato, sop it up with cornbread, or enjoy it on its own. Make an extra big batch; people are sure to want seconds.

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White Lightning Chicken Chili

White Lightning Chicken Chili
Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Becky Hargett

This one-pot dish gets its name for coming together in just half an hour—perfect for a hectic weeknight or a hearty to-go lunch. The best part? We stir in cheese at the end, which not only adds texture and thickness, but makes every bite satisfyingly melty and delicious.

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Quick Turkey Chili

Quick Turkey Chili

Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

We opted for ground turkey in lieu of beef for a lightened-up version of the classic dish. Best of all, you only need 20 minutes to toss together the ingredients and dinner is served.

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White Chicken Chili

White Chicken Chili
Hector Manuel Sanchez

It doesn't get any easier than our five-ingredient (plus a few spice drawer staples) white chicken chili. You'll hardly have to lift a finger thanks to the slow cooker will cook the chili on high for 5 to 6 hours or low for 8 to 10 hours.

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Game Day Chili

Game Day Chili
Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Deliciously tailgate-ready for a chilly Saturday, this hearty chili is an easy way to serve large crowds. Spoon it over a bag of corn chips and top with shredded cheese and garnishes for a snack-able dish everyone will love eating right out of a bag.

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Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
Photographer: Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

In a recipe rut? Mix things up with this light and simple take on a traditional white chicken chili. Ready in less than an hour, this dish is an easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

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Miranda Lambert's Famous Chili

Miranda Lambert's Buckshot Chili from cookbook Y'all Eat Yet?

Emily Dorio

This straightforward recipe calls for all the typical ingredients, plus a little extra heat thanks to diced jalapeño and hot pepper sauce. Adjust the spice level to your preference by omitting or halving the amount of each that the recipe calls for.

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