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5 Great Chili Recipes to Try This Winter

Bowls of chili surrounded by peppers and shredded cheese, resting on a table.
Foodio/Shutterstock

Not much compares to entering a room with the spicy aroma of a homemade pot of chili. You can make this popular piquant dish in a variety of ways, but here are our five favorites.

Whether it’s your favorite Sunday football meal or a convenient go-to on a busy weeknight, chili is an excellent meal option. With recipes ranging from classic to vegetarian, you can’t go wrong with this fall favorite.

A classic chili can be made with just a few ingredients and prepared in a few short minutes. The main components of this hearty dish include ground beef, tomatoes, and beans. You can spruce up chili with cooked onions, jalapenos, tomato sauce, and various fiery spices to give it that delicious flavor we all love.

Greatest Overall: The Best Classic Chili

A bowl of chili with a pot of chili in the background
Emilee Unterkoefler / LifeSavvy

What makes this classic chili recipe superior to others is the vast combination of spices added to create the perfect savor. It’s easy to add a packet of chili seasoning, but the combination of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and cayenne make this one stand out.

Not only is it out of this world yummy, but the meal only takes 30 minutes from prep time to chow time. All you’ll need is a piece of cornbread for dipping, and you’ll be good to go.

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Get the Recipe: The Wholesome Dish

Best on a Budget: 5-Ingredient Chili

A bowl of chili with a spoon
Gimme Some Oven

What’s awesome about chili is that you can purchase the majority of your ingredients like tomatoes and beans in a can. Here’s a great example of chili that you can make in the nick of time, with only a few things to purchase.

This recipe makes up to six servings, but if you’ve only got a few months to feed, you can cut the recipe in half and save a few extra bucks. You may find yourself making this simple and inexpensive dinner tonight, and if you do, we hope you enjoy it!

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Get the Recipe: Gimme Some Oven

Best Crock Pot Recipe: Slow Cooker Chili

Bowl of chili cooked in a slow cooker

While this recipe has many ingredients included, each one comes together to create the most heartwarming bowl of chili. You’ll love the peppery aroma that fills your home as the time passes, and your chili is almost complete.

All you’ll need is a dollop of sour cream and sprinkled sharp cheddar to finish your meal. You’ll also get to learn about the secret ingredient (cocoa powder) and what it does for this lovely meal. So whip out that crockpot, and get to cooking.

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Get the Recipe: Cooking Classy

Best Vegetarian Option: The Best Vegetarian Chili in the World

A bowl of vegetarian chili topped with shredded cheese
All Recipes

Maybe the title says it all, or let the reviews speak for themselves if you don’t believe the creator of this spicy and bold chili recipe. You’ll learn why this chili has won the hearts of many.

Whether you are a vegetarian, or you are looking for more meatless meals to add to your diet, you’ll love this hearty and healthy recipe. If you don’t like anything too spicy, omit the fresh jalapeno peppers, or use a little less than what the recipe calls for.

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Get the Recipe: All Recipes

Try Something Different: Creamy White Chicken Chili

A bowl of creamy white chicken chili topped with sour cream and tortilla strips
The Chunky Chef

If you are looking to bring new and exciting essences to your kitchen, do not look elsewhere! This creamy white chicken chili is packed flavor and has become one of the most popular recipes on Pinterest.

It’s certainly not your classic chili made of ground meat, tomatoes, and beans, but its something worth trying. The sweet crunch of corn kernels combined with the rich and creamy taste makes this out-of-the-ordinary chili, one to remember.

Get the Recipe:

Get the Recipe: The Chunky Chef


Just remember, everyone has there own opinion on what the perfect chili should taste like. Whether that means no beans or adding a little extra spice will be entirely up to your tastebuds. So make sure to sample as you go and as always, bon appetit.

Emilee Unterkoefler Emilee Unterkoefler
Emilee Unterkoefler is a freelance food writer, hiking enthusiast, and mama with over ten years of experience working in the food industry. Read Full Bio »
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