19 Best Chili Recipes to Beat the Winter Chill – Flavorful & Hearty!

There's something truly magical about curling up with a steaming bowl of chili when the temperature drops outside. The rich, hearty stew not only warms your body but also soothes your soul. Whether it’s the tangy kick of tomatoes, the umami depth of beans, or the smoky undertones of slow-cooked meat, there’s a chili out there for every palate.

That’s why I’ve compiled this list of the 19 Best Chili Recipes to Beat the Winter Chill – Flavorful & Hearty! From traditional beef chili to adventurous chicken and white bean combinations, these recipes are sure to add some delicious heat to your winter days.

1. Classic Beef Chili

Ah, the classic beef chili! This one’s perfect for anyone wanting a traditional and straightforward chili experience.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cans kidney beans, drained
• 2 cans diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until softened.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Let it simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Serve hot with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

2. White Chicken Chili

For a lighter yet equally comforting dish, white chicken chili is a great option.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken breast, cooked and shredded
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans white beans, drained
• 1 can corn
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can diced green chiles
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in a large pot until tender.
2. Add the shredded chicken, white beans, corn, chicken broth, green chiles, cumin, and oregano.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
5. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lime and chopped cilantro.

3. Spicy Turkey Chili

A lower-fat alternative, turkey chili can be just as flavorful as its beef counterpart.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 can kidney beans, drained
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the ground turkey in a large pot until browned.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.
3. Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
4. Let it simmer on low heat for 25 minutes.
5. Enjoy with cornbread or tortilla chips.

4. Vegetarian Chili

Packed with vegetables, this chili is hearty enough to make you forget it’s meatless.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups diced tomatoes
• 1 can kidney beans, drained
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper until tender.
2. Add the zucchini, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and black beans.
3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
5. Serve with avocado slices and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese.

5. Pork Chili Verde

A twist on traditional chili, Pork Chili Verde offers a unique and zesty flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pork shoulder, cubed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can tomatillos, drained and chopped
• 2 cans green chiles
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the cubed pork shoulder in a large pot.
2. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.
3. Stir in the chopped tomatillos, green chiles, chicken broth, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 2 hours.
5. Enjoy with warm tortillas and lime wedges.

6. Quinoa and Sweet Potato Chili

This nutrient-rich chili features the perfect blend of sweet and savory.

Ingredients:

• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cans diced tomatoes
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 can corn
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until tender.
2. Add the diced sweet potato, quinoa, diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn.
3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes.
5. Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt and chopped parsley.

7. Buffalo Chicken Chili

Love buffalo wings? This chili captures that tangy, spicy flavor in stew form.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken breast, cooked and shredded
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 can cannellini beans, drained
• 1 cup buffalo wing sauce
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in a large pot until tender.
2. Add the shredded chicken, cannellini beans, buffalo wing sauce, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
4. Top with blue cheese crumbles and enjoy!

8. Vegan Lentil Chili

Lentils provide a meaty texture while keeping this chili fully plant-based.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried lentils
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 carrot, diced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and carrot until tender.
2. Add the dried lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 40 minutes.
5. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

9. Sweet and Spicy Chili

A unique chili that combines sweet and spicy flavors for a delicious experience.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot.
2. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until tender.
3. Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, chili powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
4. Let it simmer for 25 minutes.
5. Enjoy the blend of sweet and spicy with each bite.

10. Three-Bean Chili

Triple the beans, triple the flavor! This hearty chili is perfect for bean lovers.

Ingredients:

• 1 can kidney beans, drained
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 can pinto beans, drained
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans diced tomatoes
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper until tender.
2. Add the kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, and diced tomatoes.
3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Let it simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Serve with sour cream and green onions.

11. Smoky Sausage Chili

The addition of smoky sausage elevates this chili to a whole new level.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can kidney beans, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the sliced sausage in a large pot.
2. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until tender.
3. Stir in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Let it simmer for 25 minutes.
5. Top with shredded cheese and enjoy.

12. Chocolate Mole Chili

A chili with a twist, the addition of chocolate brings out a rich and complex flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 ounce dark chocolate, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot.
2. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until tender.
3. Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the finely chopped dark chocolate, stirring until melted and well combined.
5. Let it simmer for 20 minutes before serving.

13. Texas-Style Chili

Texas-style chili is beefy, bold, and bean-free.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cubed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the cubed beef chuck in a large pot.
2. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until tender.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Let it simmer for 2 hours.
5. Serve with shredded cheese and diced onions.

14. Pumpkin Chili

A seasonal twist on the classic, pumpkin chili is perfect for fall and winter.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can pumpkin puree
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground turkey in a large pot.
2. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until tender.
3. Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, pumpkin puree, chili powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
4. Let it simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Top with shredded cheese and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

15. Seafood Chili

For seafood lovers, this chili packs a flavorful punch with shrimp and white fish.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound white fish, cubed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans diced tomatoes
• 2 cups fish broth
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper in a large pot until tender.
2. Add the shrimp and white fish, cooking until just opaque.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, fish broth, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
5. Serve with warm crusty bread.

16. Chili Mac

Combining two comfort foods, chili mac is a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can kidney beans, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot.
2. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until tender.
3. Stir in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then add the uncooked elbow macaroni.
5. Reduce to a simmer and cook until the macaroni is tender, about 12-15 minutes.
6. Serve with shredded cheddar cheese.

17. Indian-Spiced Chili

Spice up your usual chili with Indian flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground lamb
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground lamb in a large pot.
2. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until tender.
3. Stir in the chickpeas, diced tomatoes, garam masala, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
4. Let it simmer for 25 minutes.
5. Serve with basmati rice and naan bread.

18. Green Chili

A refreshing and tangy take on chili, using tomatillos and green chiles.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken breast, cooked and shredded
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans green chiles
• 1 can tomatillos, drained and chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in a large pot until tender.
2. Add the shredded chicken, green chiles, chopped tomatillos, chicken broth, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
4. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lime and cilantro.

19. Beer Chili

Incorporating beer into the chili adds depth and a slight bitterness that pairs well with the spices.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can kidney beans, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 bottle of dark beer
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot.
2. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until tender.
3. Stir in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, beer, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes.
5. Top with shredded cheese and green onions.

Conclusion

19 Best Chili Recipes to Beat the Winter Chill – Flavorful & Hearty! Whether you prefer a classic beef chili or like to experiment with unique ingredients, these recipes will surely warm you up this winter. Enjoy!