1. Classic Beef Chili
This recipe is a staple in many households. It combines ground beef with kidney beans and a rich blend of spices.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef with onions and garlic. Drain excess fat. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer for 20 minutes. Serve hot.
2. Vegetarian Chili
This hearty vegetarian chili is packed with beans, vegetables, and flavor, making it a fantastic choice for meatless Mondays.
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauté bell pepper and zucchini in a pot until tender. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer for 30 minutes. Enjoy with your favorite toppings!
3. Turkey and White Bean Chili
This lighter twist on chili uses ground turkey and white beans, making it a healthy yet satisfying meal.
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 can white beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Brown the turkey, onion, and garlic in a pot. Add the remaining ingredients and allow to simmer for 25 minutes. Serve warm!
4. Slow Cooker Chili
Let your slow cooker do the work with this easy recipe that allows you to come home to a delicious, ready meal.
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Brown the meat in a skillet and transfer to the slow cooker. Add all other ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Perfect for busy days!
5. Spicy Chipotle Chili
If you love a little heat, this chipotle chili recipe is for you. It has a smoky flavor and a kick that will warm you up!
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes with chipotle
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
In a pot over medium heat, brown the beef with onion and garlic. Stir in the remaining ingredients and simmer for 30 minutes. Top with cheese and sour cream!
6. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili
This nutritious chili combines the sweetness of sweet potatoes with the earthiness of black beans, making it a flavorful and healthy choice.
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add sweet potatoes, beans, tomatoes, and spices. Simmer for 30-35 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
7. Quinoa Chili
This gluten-free chili is packed with protein from quinoa and is a great option for a filling weeknight dinner.
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 4 cups vegetable broth
In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add quinoa, beans, tomatoes, spices, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
8. Chili Mac
This comforting dish combines chili with macaroni for a fun twist on a classic. It’s the ultimate comfort food!
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 4 cups beef broth
Brown the beef, onion, and garlic in a pot. Add beans, tomatoes, broth, and macaroni. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cook until macaroni is tender, about 10-12 minutes.
9. Pumpkin Chili
This fall-inspired chili incorporates pumpkin for a creamy texture and unique flavor, making it a seasonal favorite!
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 can pumpkin puree
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauté onion and garlic, then add turkey and cook until browned. Stir in pumpkin, beans, tomatoes, and spices. Simmer for 30 minutes.
10. Chicken Chili
This white chicken chili is healthy and flavorful, featuring tender chicken and a creamy broth.
- 1 pound chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 can white beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can diced green chilies
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
Sauté onion and garlic, then add chicken and spices. Stir in beans, chilies, and broth. Simmer for 20 minutes and serve with cornbread.
11. Instant Pot Chili
This quick and easy recipe allows you to make chili in a fraction of the time with the help of your Instant Pot.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 cup beef broth
Set your Instant Pot to sauté and brown the beef with onion and garlic. Add remaining ingredients, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
12. Mexican Street Corn Chili
Inspired by the flavors of elote, this chili features corn, lime, and cheese for a deliciously different twist.
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- Juice of 1 lime
- Feta cheese for topping
Sauté onion and garlic, then add corn, beans, tomatoes, and spices. Stir in lime juice and simmer for 20 minutes. Top with feta cheese before serving.
13. Chili with Cornbread Topping
This dish combines your favorite chili with a delicious cornbread topping for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 cup cornbread mix
- 1 cup milk
Brown the beef, onion, and garlic. Add beans, tomatoes, and spices, then transfer to a baking dish. Prepare cornbread batter and pour over the chili. Bake for 25 minutes at 400°F.
14. Coconut Curry Chili
This unique chili features the flavors of coconut and curry for a deliciously exotic twist.
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauté onion and garlic, then add turkey and cook until browned. Stir in chickpeas, tomatoes, coconut milk, and curry powder. Simmer for 30 minutes.
15. BBQ Chili
This sweet and tangy BBQ chili is perfect for those who love the flavor of barbecue sauce in their chili.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Brown the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Add beans, tomatoes, BBQ sauce, and chili powder. Simmer for 20 minutes and serve with cornbread or crackers.
16. Lentil Chili
This protein-packed lentil chili is a great vegetarian option that is both filling and nutritious.
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 4 cups vegetable broth
Sauté onion and garlic, then add lentils, beans, tomatoes, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-35 minutes.
17. Caprese Chili
This fresh and flavorful chili features tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella for a delightful twist on traditional chili.
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add turkey and cook until browned. Stir in diced and cherry tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and simmer for 20 minutes. Top with mozzarella before serving.
18. Greek Chili
This Mediterranean-inspired chili incorporates ingredients like olives and feta cheese for a delightful flavor profile.
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- Feta cheese for topping
Brown the meat with onion and garlic. Add chickpeas, tomatoes, olives, and oregano. Simmer for 25 minutes. Top with feta cheese before serving.
19. Chili Verde
This chili verde recipe features tender pork and a zesty green sauce, perfect for those who love a tangy flavor.
- 1 pound pork shoulder, diced
- 1 can green chilies
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 4 cups chicken broth
Brown the pork in a pot, then add onion and garlic. Stir in green chilies, tomatoes, broth, and cumin. Simmer for 45 minutes.
20. Thai Chili
This unique chili incorporates Thai flavors like coconut milk and lemongrass for a deliciously different weeknight dinner.
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons red curry paste
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Sauté onion and garlic in a pot. Add meat and cook until browned. Stir in coconut milk, tomatoes, curry paste, and fish sauce. Simmer for 30 minutes and garnish with cilantro.
Conclusion
With these 20 simple chili recipes, you’ll never run out of delicious, easy options for your weeknight dinners. Whether you prefer classic beef chili, a vegetarian version, or something with a twist, there’s something here for everyone. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and finding your favorites to share with family and friends!