I don’t know about you, but the minute that first crisp breeze hits, my brain goes straight to chili. And not the same old pot I’ve been stirring forever.
I pulled together 17 different ways to do it this fall, from meaty and rich to creamy and totally vegan. Let’s get that spoon ready, shall we?
1. Beluga Lentil Chili
If it’s a pantry staple kind of day, great news: you can absolutely whip up this vegan chili. Plain lentils are a little quiet on their own, but once tomato sauce and spices hit the pot, everything perks right up.
Got some fresh fixings lying around? Pile them on top. Even without, these plant based beauties stand strong and delicious all by themselves.
2. Chilli Con Carne
The name says it all: “with meat,” and baby, this chili means it. A full pound of ground beef takes center stage, with a can of red kidney beans swimming right alongside.
Now, the purists might wag a finger about those beans, but honestly, this bowl is too incredible to argue with. Thanks to a punch of Tex-Mex spices and beef bouillon cubes, every single bite is nothing but big, bold flavor.
3. Cincinnati Turkey Chili Spaghetti Squash Boats
I’ve got another Cincinnati chili twist I just know you’re going to flip for. Each tender baked squash half gets piled high with a turkey black bean chili and blanketed in gooey, melted cheese.
That squash is a lighter, healthier stand in for regular spaghetti, and the taste holds up beautifully. It’s genuinely delicious fun.
4. 15 Bean Slow Cooker Chili
No matter which side of the bean debate you’re on, this 15 bean chili is straight up scrumptious. Forget stocking a whole shelf of individual cans and just grab a bag of bean soup mix.
Into the slow cooker it goes with ground beef, bell peppers, onions, and broth. That’s honestly it, and it’s so good.
5. Instant Pot Short Rib Black Bean Chili
Meaty, complex, and honestly, probably my absolute favorite on this entire list. Two whole pounds of juicy short ribs get the star treatment with warming spices, coconut aminos, a touch of semi sweet chocolate, crushed tomatoes, and more. You might not spot them right away under all that incredible meat, but I promise there are poblanos, black beans, and bell pepper hiding in there doing a little happy dance.
6. White Bean Turkey Chili
I’ve met a lot of white chilis in my day, but this one might just be my ride or die. It’s spicy, lean, creamy, and so fresh, with turkey and white beans doubling down on that protein goodness.
Five whopping cloves of garlic means it doesn’t hold back at all. Use leftover turkey if you’ve got it, and swap in Greek yogurt for the sour cream to keep things on the nutritious side without giving up that luscious creaminess.
7. Moroccan Lamb Chili with Sweet Potatoes, Chickpeas, and Kale
If you’re craving something meaty, filling, and totally unique, you have to give this tantalizing Moroccan lamb chili a spin. It’s thick, spicy, and carries just a little touch of class.
Unlike your typical American chili, harissa paste runs the show here, so it’s wildly flavorful and packs some serious heat. Go easy with that harissa, okay? A little love goes a long way.
8. Smoky Chipotle Chili
That smoky chipotle flavor is basically a match made in chili heaven. It weaves this gorgeous layer of depth through the ground beef, pork, and beans that makes everything taste beautifully complex.
Garlicky, spicy, savory… every bowl is just pure, hearty comfort. Toss it all into the Crockpot first thing in the morning and walk in the door to dinner waiting. How easy is that?
9. Decadent Vegan Chocolate Chili
Chocolate in your chili might sound a little out there, but if you’ve ever had a soulful mole, you already understand the assignment. The secret is snagging the right kind of chocolate, and you definitely don’t want milk, white, or semi sweet here.
Hunt down a dark chocolate that clocks in around 60% instead. It’s a deep, silky touch that changes everything, I promise.
10. Bacon Bison Chili
If a thick, meat heavy chili is your love language, you’re going to absolutely lose it for this one. Lean chunks of bison and smoky bacon simmer with chunky vegetables in a tomato bath until they become impossibly tender.
Every spoonful is crammed with big, juicy bites and not a drop of extra broth to get in the way. Pure, unapologetic substance.
11. Easy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
If you’re after max comfort, this creamy, cheesy chicken chili is the one. The cream cheese feels like a little bit of indulgence, but a mountain of black beans, corn, and chicken keeps everything beautifully balanced.
What makes it a keeper? Minimal ingredients and a seasoning blend that’s so easy to get right. Simple, cozy, and ridiculously good.
12. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Chili
Why pick between barbecue and chili when you can have both, right here, right now? Tender pulled pork and BBQ sauce load every spoonful with those smoky sweet flavors you crave.
Meanwhile, the chili, beans, canned tomatoes, and broth wrap it all up into the cozy, warming dinner your soul is begging for. Best combo ever.
13. Chorizo Sweet Potato Chili
Here’s another crazy chunky chili you absolutely have to try. It’s Paleo, Whole30 friendly, and ready in just 35 minutes.
Sweet potato meets salty bacon and spicy chorizo for a combination so winning you’ll catch yourself craving it on repeat. Finish the whole thing with avocado, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream for the perfect bite.
14. Butternut Squash Chipotle Chili with Avocado
Now this is how you do vegetarian chili, my friends. Sweet hunks of butternut squash, black beans, canned tomatoes, and a glorious mess of spices come together into something every bit as hearty as any meaty bowl.
But the real showstopper is what lands on top: creamy avocado, crunchy tortilla strips, and a flurry of fresh cilantro. It’s a whole fiesta right there.
15. Easy Quinoa Chili
Got a bag of quinoa sitting in the pantry giving you the side eye? Turn it into a quick vegetarian chili tonight.
A handful of pantry staples join forces with fresh corn and cilantro for a dinner that’s speedy and totally foolproof. It’s wildly customizable too, so feel free to play around and make it your own.
16. Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken Chickpea Chili
When a Mexican food craving hits and I still want to keep things on the healthy side, this slow cooker chili is my go to. Shredded chicken, verde salsa, jalapeños, and lime bring all the zippy, bright flavors I’m longing for, while quinoa, corn, and chickpeas pack in the nutrition. Zesty and fresh, it makes eating well feel like a total breeze.
17. Butternut Squash & Black Bean Chili
This healthy vegan chili is one I could happily eat all winter long without a speck of guilt. Sweet butternut squash and earthy black beans make the whole thing feel insanely hearty and satisfying.
Stir a couple teaspoons of cocoa powder into the mix and suddenly there’s this cozy, rich depth you didn’t know you needed. Pretty sure you’ll fall hard for this one.
