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29 Hearty Chili Recipes
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29 Hearty Chili Recipes

Southern Living

Curl up with a big bowl of chili for a satisfying meal. Whether you like beef, chicken, turkey, or just beans, we've got a recipe you'll love.

1 of 29 Greg DuPree

Classic Beef Chili

Recipe: Classic Beef Chili

When temperatures start to drop and sweaters start to come out of closets, it’s time for chili. We love this new update on a classic beef chili; it comes together in under an hour, but is just as comforting and delicious as if it had taken all day. Make this hearty beef chili for weeknights, game days, or weekend lunches. Don’t forget to be generous with the toppings. We like limes, jalapenos, radishes, and sour cream, but the sky’s the limit. Leftovers? Freeze for later, or make chili dogs for another great weeknight dinner.

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2 of 29 Hector M. Sanchez

Slow-Cooker Brisket Chili

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Brisket Chili

You have heard it before: fix it and forget it. Southern cooks have long regarded a slow-cooker as an essential appliance in the kitchen – practically every new bride requests one on her wedding registry. With a small amount of prep work, a busy mom or dad can come home from a day at the office and have dinner simmering and ready in the slow-cooker. This recipe for brisket chili is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a game-day feast, or a Sunday meal after church. 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 hearty meal for your hungry family. 

3 of 29 Photo: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Pressure-Cooker Beef-and-Bean Chili

Recipe: Pressure-Cooker Beef-and-Bean Chili 

You might think of using your slow-cooker for chili, but have to ever used your pressure-cooker? This is the perfect chili recipe to get a full flavored chili on the table in under an hour.

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4 of 29 Hector M. Sanchez

Chicken Chili

Recipe: Chicken Chili

Need a quick but hearty weeknight supper? We’re always looking for our next favorite weeknight meal.  Right now, we’re loving this chicken chili for fall. It’s a lighter take on classic beef chili, but plenty of spices, peppers, and a generous garnish of cilantro make this new chicken chili a new craveable fall classic. Rotisserie chicken makes this chili a snap pull together when time is tight, but plenty of aromatics like garlic and onion make sure that this dish packs a heavy flavor wallop. Make an extra big batch; people are sure to want seconds.

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5 of 29 Hector M. Sanchez

White Bean and Pork Chili

Recipe: White Bean and Pork Chili

White beans. Pork. Green chiles. Cheese. We were daydreaming about these ingredients, and we’re pretty sure you’ll like the result. This new stick-to-your-ribs chili recipe is a great new play on classic white chili. Poblano chile, cumin, and lime juice build layers of flavor so complex no one will guess that this hearty stew comes together in less than an hour–perfect for a hectic weeknight or a hearty 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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6 of 29 Hector M. Sanchez

Three-Sisters Chili

Recipe: Three-Sisters Chili

The Native American story of the three sisters teaches how beans, corn, and winter squash are planted together so that each plant can help support and nurture the other two. The sisters continue supporting each other in this robust, vegetarian chili, a delicious and nutritious change to the traditional meaty cold-weather favorite. Paired with warm, crusty bread, this chili is perfect for a game-day meal, yet is hearty enough to serve as a main dish for a weeknight meal. And with a prep time of just 20 minutes, you can spend more time with the family while the chili simmers on the stovetop.

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7 of 29 Photo: Hector Sanchez

Beef-and-Bean Chili

Recipe: Beef-and-Bean Chili

This classic red chili has chunks of stew meat and ground beef along with tomatoes, red beans, and spices. Fire-roasted tomatoes add a note of smokiness to the mix. If you can't find fire-roasted, use plain tomatoes and add a pinch of smoked paprika.

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8 of 29 Photo: Jennifer Davick

Tex-Mex Chicken Chili with Lime

Recipe: Tex-Mex Chicken Chili with Lime

Store-bought rotisserie chicken shortcuts the cook time, while white ale adds spice, body, and flavor.

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9 of 29 Photo: Hector Sanchez

Smoky Turkey-and-Sweet Potato Chili

Recipe: Smoky Turkey-and-Sweet Potato Chili

Chipotle chiles add a kick, but sweet potatoes balance the heat. Adjust the spice in this homey chili by increasing or decreasing the amount of chipotle to suit your taste. Buy the large dried lima beans if you can find them. They really look amazing and also give the chili a decidedly Southern accent.

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10 of 29 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Veggie Chili

Recipe: Veggie Chili

Ready in 30 Minutes
Chopped zucchini and squash lend this chili its hearty, slow-cooked flavor that's perfect for a busy weeknight.

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11 of 29 Photo: Hector Sanchez

Pork-and-Black Bean Chili

Recipe: Pork-and-Black Bean Chili

Fresh tomatillos look like small green tomatoes wrapped in thin papery skin. Remove skin, and rinse before chopping. If you can't find fresh, look for canned on the Latin aisle at the grocery.

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12 of 29 Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Black Bean Chili

Recipe: Black Bean Chili

Ready in only 30 minutes, this quick, meatless chili is made with black beans, meatless burger crumbles, and canned tomatoes. You can substitute ground beef for the meatless burger crumbles, if desired. Top with a dollop of sour cream, corn chips, and chopped fresh cilantro just before serving.

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13 of 29 Photo: Jennifer Davick

Slow-Cooker Veggie Chili

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Veggie Chili

Add a dash of hot sauce to your bowl for extra heat. Use a variety of your favorite beans, if you wish, in this recipe.

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14 of 29 Photo: Oxmoor House

Slow-Cooker Turkey Chili

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Turkey Chili

This slow-cooker chili recipe is as easy as it is delicious. Browning the meat before adding it to the slow cooker brings out the rich flavor of the dish.

Step-by-Step Video: Easy Homemade Turkey Chili

 

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15 of 29 Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Chunky Beef Chili

Recipe: Chunky Beef Chili

This hearty beef chili features boneless chuck roast and a medley of traditional chili seasonings. Serve with homemade cornbread for a complete meal.

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16 of 29 Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Barbecue Chili

Recipe: Barbecue Chili

Pick up shredded pork from your favorite restaurant, or use one of the ready-to-serve products from your supermarket. The flavor profiles of commercial barbecue sauce can range from sweet to smoky, so use whichever brand you prefer.

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17 of 29 Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Quick Turkey Chili

Recipe: Quick Turkey Chili

Don't let the long list of ingredients deter you; chances are you'll have most of them on hand.

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18 of 29 Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Shrimp-and-Poblano Chili

Recipe: Shrimp-and-Poblano Chili

This chili starts with frozen corn and diced poblano chile peppers to help you save time in the kitchen.

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19 of 29 Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Playoff Chili

Recipe: Playoff Chili

Hearty Playoff Chili is an easy way to serve large crowds. Guests (or kids) will love eating it right out of a bag of corn chips.

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20 of 29 Photo: Ralph Anderson

Spicy 3-Bean Chili

Recipe: Spicy 3-Bean Chili

Lean meats make this chili great for filling you up without blowing your diet. Try serving this satisfying dish with warm flour tortillas.

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21 of 29 Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Super Quick Chili

Recipe: Super Quick Chili

This 7-ingredient chili recipe is ready to eat in less than 30 minutes. For a fun presentation, slice tops from hearty round dinner rolls or larger bread bowls and fill with chili.

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22 of 29

White Bean Chili

Recipe: White Bean Chili

This white bean and chicken chili is packed with hearty beans, chunks of chicken, and tender shoepeg corn.  Fresh lime juice, green chiles, cilantro, and cumin all contribute to the Southwestern flavor.

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23 of 29 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Beef-and-Black-eyed Pea Chili

Recipe: Beef-and-Black-eyed Pea Chili

Pull some cornbread fresh out of the skillet and savor the aroma of our Beef-and-Black-Eyed Pea Chili. You can fill a Dutch oven with chili meat, sweet onion, black-eyed peas, beer, and more, and in under an hour sit down to a delicious bowl of chili. Serve it with jalapeño pepper slices, Cheddar cheese, or pico de gallo, or just enjoy it as it comes. However you prefer it, you won't go wrong. Pick up your spoon and enjoy this chili now.

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24 of 29 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Chicken-and-Three-Bean Chili Verde

Recipe: Chicken-and-Three-Bean Chili Verde

For true Tex Mex flavor, serve with a side of tortilla chips and top with fresh avocado slices.

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25 of 29 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Spicy Slow-Cooker Beef Chili

Recipe: Spicy Slow-Cooker Beef Chili

Once the chilly weather sets in, we guarantee you'll be looking forward to this spicy dish after a long day at work.

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26 of 29

Chunky Beef 'n' Tomato Chili

Recipe: Chunky Beef 'n' Tomato Chili

Large chunks of ground beef make our Chunky Beef 'n' Tomato Chili similar to a stew. Crackers are fine on the side, but yummy Parmesan Cheese Breadsticks offer a tasty alternative and are a snap to prepare.

 

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27 of 29 Photo: Ralph Anderson

Game-Day Chili

Recipe: Game-Day Chili

Quickly put Game-Day Chili together and then leave simmering for three hours. Dark beer and green chiles give this recipe a rich, spicy taste.

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28 of 29

Beef-and-Butternut Squash Chili

Recipe: Beef-and-Butternut Squash Chili

We've loaded this chili with beef and beans for zinc and B vitamins, tomatoes and green peppers for vitamin C, and butternut squash for beta-carotene.

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29 of 29 Photo: Jennifer Davick

Smoky Chicken Chili

Recipe: Smoky Chicken Chili

Save time by making this chicken chili with smoked chicken from your favorite barbecue restaurant, or use a barbecue-flavored rotisserie chicken from your local supermarket.

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