27 Chili Recipes – Easy Beef, Turkey, Chicken & Vegan Options

1. Classic Beef Chili

A Hearty Traditional Favorite

Classic beef chili is a dish known for its warming spices and hearty ingredients. It’s rich, savory, and perfect for those chilly evenings when you want a comforting meal. The recipe features tender beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, and a blend of seasonings that create an impressive depth of flavor.

Ideal for Family Gatherings

This chili is a crowd-pleaser, making it the ideal choice for family gatherings or casual get-togethers. It’s also great for meal prep, as it can be made in large quantities and freezes exceptionally well.

Make It Your Own

Feel free to adjust the recipe to suit your taste. You can add more spice, different types of beans, or even throw in some vegetables for added nutrition. Check this recipe.

2. Vegetarian Chili

A Plant-Based Powerhouse

Vegetarian chili provides all the comforting flavors of traditional chili without the meat. This protein-packed dish features a variety of beans, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, creating a vibrant and nutritious meal.

Ideal for Meatless Mondays

If you’re trying to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this chili is a great place to start. It’s satisfying, full of flavor, and loaded with fiber and protein to keep you feeling full.

Personalize Your Chili

Add your favorite vegetables, or switch out the beans to make the chili suit your dietary needs and preferences. Check this recipe.

3. White Chicken Chili

A Lighter Take on Chili

White chicken chili offers a lighter, creamier alternative to traditional chili. Tender chicken, white beans, and a savory broth make for a delicious combination that is both filling and nutritious.

Perfect for Quick Meals

This recipe is perfect for a quick dinner, as it can be made in just 30 minutes. It’s also excellent for meal prep, as it keeps well and can easily be reheated.

Experiment with Toppings

Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Try adding avocado, cheese, or a dollop of sour cream to enhance the flavor profile. Check this recipe.

4. Spicy Pork Chili

Kick Up the Heat

If you like your chili with a kick, then spicy pork chili is for you. It combines tender chunks of pork with fiery spices and robust flavors, creating a dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings for heat.

Great for Entertaining

This chili is great for entertaining, as the spicy flavors are balanced out by the addition of cooling toppings like sour cream or guacamole.

Tweak to Your Liking

You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking, or substitute the pork for a different type of meat if you prefer. Check this recipe.

5. Vegan Lentil Chili

An Earthy and Hearty Dish

This vegan lentil chili offers a filling and hearty meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Packed with earthy lentils and a robust blend of spices, it’s a plant-based dish that even meat-eaters will love.

Ideal for Health Conscious Individuals

This recipe is perfect for those looking for a meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Loaded with fiber from lentils and brimming with various veggies, it’s a meal that is sure to keep you satisfied without any guilt.

Customize to Your Palate

The beauty of this chili lies in its versatility. Feel free to adjust the heat with your preferred chili spices, or add other vegetables of your choice. Check this recipe.

6. Texas-Style Chili

Bold and Beefy

Texas-style chili, often known as chili con carne, is a bold and beefy dish that foregoes beans for a focus on high-quality beef. The dish is robust, spicy, and bursting with a rich, meaty flavor that is unmistakably Texan.

Great for Meat Lovers

This dish is perfect for those who appreciate a good cut of beef. It’s filling, satisfying, and goes wonderfully with a piece of cornbread on the side.

Tweak to Your Preferences

If you prefer your chili less spicy, adjust the seasonings to suit your palate, or add some cheese or sour cream to mellow the heat. Check this recipe.

7. Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili

A Healthy and Hearty Option

Turkey and sweet potato chili is a nutritious twist on the traditional chili recipe. Lean ground turkey and sweet potatoes make this dish lower in fat and higher in vitamins, while still delivering a hearty, satisfying meal.

Read also: 56 Healthy Snacks 

Ideal for a Light Dinner

This chili is perfect for a light dinner. It’s packed with protein and fiber, making it a balanced and filling meal option.

Customize to Your Liking

Feel free to add more vegetables or experiment with different spices to tailor this chili to your tastes. Check this recipe.

8. Chili Verde

A Tangy and Savory Delight

Chili Verde, a Mexican dish, is a tangy and savory stew made with tender pork and green chili peppers. It’s a flavorful and exciting alternative to the usual red chili.

Perfect for a Weekend Feast

Making Chili Verde is a bit of a process, but the end result is worth it. It’s perfect for a weekend cooking project and will leave you with plenty of leftovers for the week.

Adapt to Your Taste

If you prefer a less spicy dish, adjust the amount of green chiles to your liking. Check this recipe.

9. Bison Chili

A Rustic, Robust Meal

Bison chili, featuring lean, rich bison meat, is a rustic and robust option for those who want to try something different. The earthy flavor of the bison pairs wonderfully with the hearty beans and spices.

Ideal for Adventurous Eaters

Bison meat is lean and high in protein, making this an ideal dish for those seeking a healthier alternative to traditional beef chili.

Make It Your Own

As with all chili recipes, feel free to customize this one to suit your preferences. You can adjust the spices or add in extra veggies as you see fit. Check this recipe.

10. Three-Bean Vegetarian Chili

A Veggie-Packed Feast

Three-bean vegetarian chili is a healthy, hearty dish packed with protein and fiber. It’s a simple, straightforward recipe that combines kidney, black, and pinto beans with a variety of colorful vegetables.

Perfect for Meatless Meals

This chili is a wonderful option for those on a vegetarian diet, or for anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their rotation.

Customizable and Colorful

Feel free to mix and match the types of beans used or add your favorite veggies to make this chili your own. Check this recipe.

11. Black Bean Chili

A Hearty Vegan Option

Black bean chili offers a hearty and protein-packed vegan option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Black beans make for a creamy, satisfying base, and the addition of corn adds a touch of sweetness that perfectly balances out the heat.

Perfect for a Hearty Lunch

This recipe is excellent for a warming lunch or a light dinner. It’s also a great choice for meal prep, as the flavors meld together even more over time.

Play Around With Toppings

Try adding some fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of vegan yogurt on top for added flavor and creaminess. Check this recipe.

12. Butternut Squash Chili

A Fall Favorite

Butternut squash chili is a wonderful way to celebrate the flavors of fall. The sweet, creamy butternut squash pairs beautifully with traditional chili spices, creating a comforting, flavorful dish.

Great for a Cozy Dinner

This recipe is a great way to shake up your usual dinner routine. Serve it with some crusty bread or a side salad for a cozy, satisfying meal.

Experiment with Additional Flavors

Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients, such as sweet potatoes or different kinds of beans. Check this recipe.

13. Chorizo Chili

A Spicy Spanish Twist

Chorizo chili adds a Spanish twist to the traditional chili recipe. With smoky chorizo sausage, robust spices, and a variety of beans, this recipe is a flavor-packed dish that will wake up your taste buds.

Ideal for Spicing Up Dinner

This chili is perfect for when you want something a bit different from your usual dinner. Its unique flavor profile is sure to impress your family and guests.

Adapt to Your Preference

Feel free to adjust the level of spice to your liking or substitute the chorizo for another type of sausage if desired. Check this recipe.

14. Lentil and Mushroom Chili

A Hearty Vegan Delight

Lentil and mushroom chili is a hearty, flavorful vegan dish that will satisfy even the most devoted meat lovers. The lentils and mushrooms provide a meaty texture, while the mix of spices ensures a depth of flavor that rivals any traditional chili.

Perfect for a Healthy Dinner

This recipe is full of nutritious ingredients, making it an excellent choice for a wholesome dinner. Plus, it’s hearty enough to leave you feeling satisfied and full.

Customize to Your Taste

Feel free to play around with the types of mushrooms or add other veggies to make this chili exactly to your liking. Check this recipe.

15. Spicy Vegan Jackfruit Chili

A Plant-Based Powerhouse

Spicy vegan jackfruit chili introduces the tropical fruit in a unique and savory way. When cooked, jackfruit takes on a texture similar to pulled pork, making it an ideal plant-based alternative for this spicy, robust chili.

A Unique Vegan Treat

This chili is perfect for those looking for a unique vegan recipe. It’s spicy, tangy, and packed full of flavor.

Experiment with the Heat

If you’re not a fan of too much spice, you can always reduce the amount of chili powder or jalapenos in this recipe. On the other hand, if you love heat, feel free to add extra! Check this recipe.

16. Cincinnati Chili

A Unique Spaghetti Topping

Cincinnati Chili, a regional favorite from Ohio, is traditionally served over spaghetti and topped with a mountain of shredded cheese. Its unique blend of spices, including cinnamon and chocolate, creates a distinctive and delicious flavor profile.

A Crowd-Pleaser

This chili is a real crowd-pleaser, great for feeding a family or entertaining guests. The unusual combination of flavors always seems to spark conversation.

Customize Your Toppings

Feel free to play around with the toppings – add onions or beans, or even swap out the spaghetti for hot dogs to make a Cincinnati-style chili dog. Check this recipe.

17. Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Chili

A Tropical Twist

Sweet and spicy pineapple chili is a flavorful dish that brings a tropical twist to your standard chili. The sweetness of the pineapple perfectly balances the heat from the chili, resulting in a mouthwatering combination that’s sure to impress.

Perfect for a Summer Cookout

This chili is perfect for a summer cookout or any occasion when you want a unique, flavorful dish to serve to your guests.

Experiment with the Flavors

If you prefer a less sweet chili, you can reduce the amount of pineapple or add more heat to balance out the flavors. Check this recipe.

18. Paleo Chili

A Grain and Legume-Free Option

Paleo chili is a great option if you’re following a paleo diet or simply want a chili free of grains and legumes. With plenty of vegetables and high-quality meat, this chili is just as hearty and flavorful as traditional versions.

Great for Health-Conscious Eaters

This chili is packed with protein and low in carbs, making it an ideal dish for those who are health-conscious or following a specific diet.

Customize to Your Diet

Feel free to switch out the types of meat or vegetables to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Check this recipe.

19. Vegan Tempeh Chili

A Protein-Packed Vegan Dish

Vegan tempeh chili is a protein-packed, flavorful dish that even meat-eaters will love. The tempeh adds a great texture and absorbs the rich flavors of the chili spices.

Ideal for a Hearty Lunch

This chili is perfect for a filling lunch or a healthy dinner. It’s full of plant-based protein and fiber, keeping you satisfied for hours.

Play Around With Ingredients

Feel free to experiment with the ingredients. Add more veggies, try different spices, or adjust the heat to your liking. Check this recipe.

20. Moroccan Chickpea Chili

A North African Twist

Moroccan chickpea chili introduces North African flavors to this hearty dish. The combination of chickpeas, sweet potatoes, and Moroccan spices like cinnamon and cumin make for a flavor-packed, nutritious meal.

Read also: 42 Appetizer Recipes

Ideal for a Light Dinner

This chili is perfect for a light dinner. Despite being meat-free, it’s filling and satisfying, and it’s packed with protein from the chickpeas.

Customize Your Chili

Feel free to add other vegetables or swap out the chickpeas for another type of bean. Check this recipe.

21. Smoky BBQ Chili

A Flavorful Fusion Dish

Smoky BBQ chili brings the flavors of a summer cookout to a comforting bowl of chili. The smoky BBQ sauce adds a tangy sweetness that balances out the heat of the chili, creating a delicious fusion dish.

Great for a Weekend Dinner

This chili is perfect for a weekend dinner, especially if you’re craving BBQ flavors. It’s hearty, satisfying, and full of rich flavors.

Personalize Your Chili

Feel free to adjust the amount of BBQ sauce, add your favorite beans or veggies, or play around with the spices. Check this recipe.

22. Chipotle Beef Chili

A Smoky and Spicy Chili

Chipotle beef chili combines the smoky flavor of chipotle peppers with tender chunks of beef to create a hearty, spicy dish that’s sure to warm you up.

Ideal for a Cold Day

This chili is perfect for a cold day, providing heat from the chipotle peppers and comfort from the hearty ingredients.

Customize Your Chili

Feel free to adjust the level of spice, swap the beef for a different protein, or add your favorite veggies. Check this recipe.

23. Sausage and White Bean Chili

A Hearty and Flavorful Dish

Sausage and white bean chili is a delicious, hearty dish packed with flavor. The sausage adds a savory depth, while the white beans provide a creamy counterpoint, resulting in a balanced, satisfying chili.

Perfect for a Comforting Dinner

This chili makes for a comforting dinner, particularly on a cold evening. Pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy.

Experiment with Different Sausages

Feel free to switch up the sausage in this recipe – try spicy Italian, smoked, or even turkey sausage. Check this recipe.

24. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili

A Vegetarian Delight

Sweet potato and black bean chili is a hearty vegetarian dish full of flavor. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes beautifully complements the earthy black beans and spicy chili.

Great for a Healthy Dinner

This chili is a great option for a healthy, filling dinner. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and plant-based protein, it’s both nourishing and delicious.

Adaptable to Your Taste

Feel free to add more veggies, adjust the spices, or even add some corn for an extra touch of sweetness. Check this recipe.

25. Turkey and Poblano Chili

A Lean, Green Chili

Turkey and poblano chili is a leaner take on traditional chili, using ground turkey and roasted poblano peppers for a green, vibrant twist. It’s packed with flavor and lower in fat than most red meat-based chilis.

Ideal for a Light, Hearty Dinner

This chili is perfect for a lighter, yet still hearty, dinner. The poblano peppers add a mild, smoky flavor that complements the lean turkey beautifully.

Make it Your Own

You can easily adjust this recipe to your liking. Swap the turkey for chicken, add more veggies, or adjust the heat to suit your preference. Check this recipe.

26. Jamaican Jerk Chili

A Caribbean Twist

Jamaican jerk chili brings a Caribbean twist to a classic dish. It’s packed with vibrant flavors from the jerk seasoning, including allspice, cinnamon, and chili peppers, creating a complex and delicious chili.

Perfect for a Flavorful Dinner

This chili is perfect for when you’re in the mood for something flavorful and different. It’s an exciting departure from traditional chili that will awaken your taste buds.

Adjust to Your Preference

Feel free to adjust the heat level according to your preference, or experiment with different types of beans or meats. Check this recipe.

27. Stout and Coffee Chili

A Robust and Rich Chili

Stout and coffee chili combines two robust ingredients – stout beer and coffee – to create a chili that’s rich, deep in flavor, and incredibly satisfying.

Ideal for a Special Occasion

This chili is perfect for a special occasion or a weekend meal when you’re looking for something a bit different. The unique flavor combination is sure to impress.

Customize Your Chili

Feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your taste. Try different types of beer or coffee, adjust the spices, or experiment with different types of beans. Check this recipe.