Posted by Tastefully Simple on October 4, 2022
Did you know that October is National Chili Month?
When the temperatures begin to fall, there’s nothing better than a cozy bowl of chili to warm you all the way down to your toes. And whether you’re gathering around a campfire or getting together for game day with a few friends, it’s always a crowd favorite, too.
In fact, this hearty, delicious Southwestern dish has been beloved for more than a century. (Fun fact: It originally began in southern Texas, where it was made simply with stewed beef, chili peppers and spices. Back in the 1880s, women called “chili queens” started selling chili for 10 cents a bowl at stands in the markets in San Antonio.)
Today, of course, there are all kinds of different options (and opinions) when it comes to making this simple and delicious dish. Chili with beans vs. chili con carne. Beef vs. chicken. Whatever your preferences, don’t miss this list of our best chili recipes – guaranteed to bring everyone to the table!
7 Cozy & Comforting Chili Recipes You’ll Love
1. Wahoo! Chili. It doesn’t get any easier – or any faster! Make a simmering kettle of homemade chili in only 30 minutes on your stovetop.
Prefer to toss it into your slow cooker? Simply cook low and slow for 6-7 hours. Serve with biscuits or crusty dinner rolls with sweet cream butter.
Tip: I love to use cubed steak or stew meat in place of ground beef, since it becomes unbelievably fork-tender when it slow simmers all day. Try substituting 1 (15 ounce) can of black beans in place of kidney beans, too!
2. Wahoo! White Chili. Perfect for chilly autumn and winter evenings, this creamy white chili is brimming with lean ground turkey, mild green chiles and tender Great Northern beans. If you’d like, swap sausage or rotisserie chicken in place of turkey.
Since it’s ready in 30 minutes, it’s wonderful for busy weeknights!
3. Family-Friendly Chili. So simple and delicious, this rich and hearty chili can feed a full house. Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips for football season.
Tip: Stir in 2 tablespoons brown sugar if you like a little sweet heat!
4. Southwest Chicken Chili. Savory Southwestern spices. Tender rotisserie chicken. Mild pinto beans. Simmering with a zesty-creamy broth, this restaurant-style chili will chase the chill away all season long.
Since it’s made with our Chicken Tortilla Soup Mix, this one-dish dinner comes together in minutes! Serve bowls garnished with sour cream, shredded cheese and/or sliced jalapeños.
5. Triple Meat & Bean Wahoo! Chili. Love your Instant Pot? Try this meaty chili recipe, made just for your multi-cooker. So thick and smoky, this hearty chili is brimming with chopped bacon, Italian sausage and ground beef.
Tip: if you don’t have a multi-cooker, don’t worry! Let it simmer on low for 6-7 hours in your slow cooker.
6. Wahoo! Beef Chili. Spoon up this chunky chili, loaded with slow-simmered beef, tomatoes, peppers and warm spices. For a comforting autumn meal, serve with shredded Cheddar cheese and fresh-baked corn muffins.
7. Winter White Turkey Chili. And last but not least, get cozy with this creamy chili, bubbling with cannellini beans, mild chiles and chopped turkey. At our house, we always love to make it with leftover turkey the day after Thanksgiving, but it’s divine with rotisserie chicken, too!
Top your bowls with sour cream, shredded cheese or fresh cilantro before serving.
Have your own tips and hints when it comes to making the best chili on the block? Tell us all about your favorite recipes and chili secrets on Facebook or Instagram.
Grab a bowl, friends … and let’s dish!
– Jen