25 Best Chili Recipes So Good You’ll Never Settle for Bland Chili Again

A bland bowl of chili is a waste of a good appetite, and nobody has time for that. The best chili recipes bring bold flavors, the perfect balance of heat, and a rich, hearty texture that keeps you coming back for another spoonful. Some are fiery, some are mild, but they all have one thing in common they don’t cut corners on flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need a cozy meal for yourself, these recipes get the job done. Once you try them, you’ll never settle for anything less.

A bowl of creamy chicken chili topped with sour cream, corn kernels, black beans, and diced peppers. — Photo credit: Foodess.

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Crock Pot Chili for Two

Bowl of chili with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream on top. — Crock Pot Chili for Two. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crock Pot Chili for Two proves that best chili recipes don’t have to be made in massive batches. Slow-cooked with bold spices, this cozy bowl packs all the flavor without leaving you with a fridge full of leftovers. Perfect for date night or when you just want chili without a weeklong commitment.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chili for Two

Frito Chili Pie

A plate of Fritos topped with ground beef, cheese, tomatoes, beans, and green onions. — Frito Chili Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Frito Chili Pie is what happens when chili and crunchy corn chips team up for a flavor-packed showdown. The best chili recipes don’t always need a spoon—this one lets you go all in with melty cheese, seasoned beef, and a satisfying crunch. Just be warned: once you start, it’s impossible to stop.
Get the Recipe: Frito Chili Pie

Classic Chili

A bowl of chili with ground meat, beans, tomatoes, topped with sour cream, shredded cheese, and cilantro. Chips and extra garnishes are nearby on a marble surface. — Classic Chili. Photo credit: Cheerful Cook.

Classic Chili is exactly what you expect—thick, meaty, and packed with everything that makes the best chili recipes worth making. Red kidney beans, ground beef, and the perfect spice blend create a bowl that never disappoints. Keep this one on repeat because there’s no such thing as too much chili.
Get the Recipe: Classic Chili

Chili Tater Tot Casserole

Chili Tater Tot Casserole layers rich, hearty chili under a golden blanket of crispy tots and gooey cheese. It’s proof that the best chili recipes can get even better with the right toppings. Just try to resist picking off those crispy edges before serving.
Get the Recipe: Chili Tater Tot Casserole

Chili Dog Tater Tot Casserole

A baked tater tot casserole with melted cheese, ground meat, and vegetables in a rectangular dish. A serving spoon rests in the dish, partially scooping the casserole. — Chili Dog Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Life's Ambrosia.

Chili Dog Tater Tot Casserole is what happens when chili dogs meet comfort food genius. Five ingredients, crispy tots, and a whole lot of melty cheese make this an instant hit. Even the pickiest eaters won’t leave a single bite behind.
Get the Recipe: Chili Dog Tater Tot Casserole

Dr Pepper Chili

Dr Pepper Chili takes a thick, meaty chili and sneaks in a little something extra. The soda gives it a deep, slightly sweet flavor that sets it apart from the usual best chili recipes. Perfect for game day or when you just want to try something that keeps everyone guessing.
Get the Recipe: Dr Pepper Chili

Sweet and Spicy Chili

Two bowls of chili topped with shredded cheese and chopped green onions, accompanied by tortilla chips on the side. — Sweet and Spicy Chili. Photo credit: HappiHomemade.

Sweet and Spicy Chili balances bold flavors with a touch of honey to keep things interesting. This is one of those best chili recipes that hits all the right notes—warm, hearty, and just the right amount of kick. Serve it up and watch it disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Chili

Instant Pot Chili With Turkey or Ground Beef

Instant Pot Chili With Turkey or Ground Beef is what you make when you want chili, but you don’t want to wait all day. The pressure cooker locks in all the rich, meaty goodness, making this one of the best chili recipes for a quick, hearty meal. Perfect for when hunger strikes and patience runs thin.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chili With Turkey or Ground Beef

Creamy White Chicken Chili

Creamy White Chicken Chili takes everything great about traditional chili and makes it rich, velvety, and impossible to stop eating. Cream cheese and a splash of lime keep it from feeling too heavy, making it the perfect balance of comfort and fresh flavor. Keep the toppings simple or go wild—either way, it’s a win.
Get the Recipe: Creamy White Chicken Chili

Dutch Oven Chili Recipe with Ground Beef

A pot of chili with beef, beans, and tomatoes, stirred with a metal ladle, sits on a white marble surface. — Dutch Oven Chili Recipe with Ground Beef. Photo credit: Rebecca Taig.

Dutch Oven Chili Recipe with Ground Beef is all about slow-simmered flavor and hearty ingredients. Bacon, beans, and vegetables turn this into a one-pot wonder that brings serious depth. Let it bubble away on the stove, and don’t forget the cornbread on the side.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Chili Recipe with Ground Beef

Instant Pot Chili

Three bowls of chili topped with sour cream, sliced jalapeños, and shredded cheese on a striped cloth. A small bowl of additional shredded cheese is on the side. — Instant Pot Chili. Photo credit: Living Chirpy.

Instant Pot Chili makes weeknight dinners ridiculously easy without skimping on the deep, rich flavor chili deserves. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, this one comes together in minutes, not hours. Set it, forget it, and get ready to enjoy a steaming bowl of perfection.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chili

Chicken Poblano White Bean Chili

Chicken Poblano White Bean Chili is here for those who want chili without the usual heat overload. Roasted poblanos add a smoky depth, while white beans and shredded chicken keep it hearty. This one’s perfect for a big batch that somehow disappears faster than expected.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Poblano White Bean Chili

Frito Pie

Frito Pie turns a simple bowl of chili into the crunchiest, cheesiest meal of the week. Thick, hearty chili meets gooey cheese and crispy corn chips in a one-pan masterpiece. Grab a fork or just dig in—no judgment either way.
Get the Recipe: Frito Pie

Chicken Chili Verde

Chicken Chili Verde skips the traditional red sauce for a fresh, mild green chili that still brings big flavor. Pulled chicken, roasted poblanos, and corn make it a go-to for anyone who wants chili without a ton of spice. Bonus: leftovers taste even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chili Verde

No Bean Chili

Three bowls of chili topped with shredded cheese and sour cream next to a pot of chili, garnished with parsley. — No Bean Chili. Photo credit: Simply Macros.

No Bean Chili is proof that beans aren’t mandatory for a solid bowl of chili. Thick, meaty, and packed with smoky spices, this one is all about the beef. Spoon it over rice, load it onto fries, or just eat it straight from the bowl—no wrong answers here.
Get the Recipe: No Bean Chili

Sweet Potato & Turkey Chili

A bowl of chili with diced sweet potatoes, corn, peas, and minced meat, garnished with green onions and cilantro. A halved avocado and tortilla chips are visible in the background. — Sweet Potato & Turkey Chili. Photo credit: In the Kids' Kitchen.

Sweet Potato & Turkey Chili keeps things simple but packed with flavor. The natural sweetness of the potatoes balances the savory turkey and bold spices, making it a fresh take on chili night. Healthy-ish but still feels like a comfort meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato & Turkey Chili

Beef Chili

Bowls of chili topped with shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and sour cream on a wooden table, with additional cheese and green onions in separate bowls. — Beef Chili. Photo credit: Little Black Skillet.

Beef Chili is what happens when you take a classic and make it even better. With a flavor profile that rivals any store-bought mix, this homemade version uses pantry staples for an easy, go-to meal. No shortcuts, just rich, slow-simmered goodness.
Get the Recipe: Beef Chili

Crockpot White Chicken Chili

A bowl of chicken chili topped with shredded cheese, jalapeño slices, and a dollop of sour cream, served with tortilla chips. — Crockpot White Chicken Chili. Photo credit: Cheerful Cook.

Crockpot White Chicken Chili lets the slow cooker handle all the heavy lifting while you go about your day. By dinnertime, you’ve got a creamy, cozy bowl that delivers big on flavor. Pair it with tortilla chips and call it a win.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot White Chicken Chili

Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

Cream Cheese Chicken Chili proves that adding cream cheese to chili is always a good idea. It turns the broth rich, thick, and totally irresistible. One spoonful in, and you’ll wonder why you ever made chili without it.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

Meaty Slow Cooker Steak Chili

A bowl of chili with meat, beans, cheese, and corn chips, garnished with green onions. A spoon is placed inside. Sides of sour cream and additional toppings are visible. — Meaty Slow Cooker Steak Chili. Photo credit: The Dinner Bell.

Meaty Slow Cooker Steak Chili takes its time, and the payoff is worth every second. Slow-cooked steak melts into a rich, meaty chili that practically begs for a pile of shredded cheese on top. Set it, forget it, and come back to the best dinner of the week.
Get the Recipe: Meaty Slow Cooker Steak Chili

The Best Chili For Two

A skillet filled with chili topped with lime slices, chopped onions, cheese, tortilla chips, and a dollop of sour cream. A wooden spoon rests on the chili, with sour cream in a bowl nearby. — The Best Chili For Two. Photo credit: Home Cooking Collective.

The Best Chili For Two makes just enough for two bowls of serious spice and smoky chipotle flavor. Pinto beans, vegetables, and plenty of seasoning keep it rich and hearty without needing a giant pot. Just the right size for a low-effort, high-reward dinner.
Get the Recipe: The Best Chili For Two

Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

Instant Pot White Chicken Chili proves that homemade doesn’t have to mean all-day cooking. In under 30 minutes, you get tender chicken, white beans, and a creamy broth that feels like it simmered for hours. Easy, fast, and perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

Instant Pot Veggie Chili

A yellow bowl of chili topped with avocado chunks and cilantro, next to half an avocado. Corn chips scattered around on a wooden surface. — Instant Pot Veggie Chili. Photo credit: Joyful Balance.

Instant Pot Veggie Chili brings all the chili comfort but skips the meat. Chickpeas, beans, and tomatoes soak up a bold spice mix for a thick, hearty bowl that doesn’t need beef to be satisfying. Plus, it’s done in no time—because hunger waits for no one.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Veggie Chili

Chili Con Carne

A bowl of chili with beans, corn, and green onions, topped with sour cream. Lime wedges are on the side, with an orange cloth and cutlery nearby. — Chili Con Carne. Photo credit: Mommy Evolution.

Chili Con Carne sticks to the basics and nails them. Thick, meaty, and packed with just the right blend of spices, it’s the kind of chili that makes chilly nights feel a little warmer. Serve it up with cornbread and call it a perfect meal.
Get the Recipe: Chili Con Carne

Pork Chili with Butternut and Kale

Pork Chili with Butternut and Kale shakes things up with a mix of hearty pork, sweet squash, and leafy greens. It skips the heat but still delivers on flavor, making it a great option when you want chili without all the spice. Bonus points for tasting even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chili with Butternut and Kale