Buzz
Photo: Victor ProtasioAfter a hectic day, putting dinner together can feel like the final stretch of a marathon. It’s not always easy to prepare something that’s flavorful, nutritious, and loved by the whole family. While chili might not be the flashiest meal, it’s reliably hearty, delicious, and budget-friendly. Plus, it’s easily adaptable with ingredients from your pantry or freezer. We’ve gathered our top easy chili recipes for when you need some dinner ideas.
1. Rotisserie Chicken Chili
Fred HardyThis simple and speedy chili recipe requires minimal prep, yet yields four delicious servings. Start by sautéing a chopped onion in a stock pot, then add the rest of the ingredients, including two cans of pinto beans, a can of green chiles, chicken stock, and masa harina (a gluten-free corn flour). The shredded rotisserie chicken adds substance without extra cooking time, and serving the chili over rice makes it even heartier.
2. Spicy Chorizo and Pinto Bean Chili
Victor ProtasioWith fresh vegetables, Mexican chorizo, and a few pantry staples, you can have dinner ready in just 30 minutes. The spicy chorizo truly takes center stage in this dish, bringing rich flavor and satisfying texture.
3. Turkey-Pumpkin Chili
Caitlin BenselIncorporating pumpkin puree into your chili is the perfect way to introduce a subtle sweetness while reaping some nutritional benefits as well. If you're craving a dish with those quintessential autumn flavors, this one is sure to hit the spot.
4. Slow-Cooker Vegetarian Chili With Sweet Potatoes
Con PoulosWhether you're a vegetarian or not, this slow-cooked chili is packed with nourishing ingredients like black beans, kidney beans, sweet potatoes, and peppers. It's incredibly easy to prepare—just let it cook slowly all day long.
5. Slow-Cooker Chicken Mole Chili
Antonis AchilleosNothing compares to homemade mole, but it can often time be a labor of love. This slow-cooker recipe makes it so easy to enjoy the delicious flavors of mole without spending too much time in the kitchen.
6. Chili For a Crowd
Rob HowardMaking a large batch of chili is not only practical but also budget-friendly. Whether you’re hosting friends for football Sunday or preparing a meal to freeze for later, this recipe can serve up to eight people.
7. Southwestern Beef Chili With Corn
This Southwestern-inspired chili has a bit of a kick without being overly spicy, making it a great choice for the entire family. Serve it with a variety of toppings like avocado, shredded cheese, cilantro, tortilla chips, and hot sauce, allowing everyone to personalize their bowl.
8. Slow-Cooker Black Bean and Zucchini Chili
Anna WilliamsIt’s always a smart move to have a can of fire-roasted tomatoes in your pantry, as you never know when you’ll need them. In this recipe, these flavorful tomatoes add a punch, complemented by a homemade spice blend.
9. West Texas Chili
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie CoxIf you're unfamiliar with West Texas chili, it’s a bean-free take on this classic comfort food. Instead of beans, you'll find an abundance of meat and spices. Specifically, this version uses ground chuck or lean venison, tomato paste, a hearty stock, and ale beer, along with paprika, ground cumin, and other spices. If you haven’t tried a chili like this, it’s definitely worth sampling.
10. Vegetarian Chili
Johnny MillerThis vegetarian chili recipe is just as delicious as it appears. Onions and garlic form a savory base, while canned black and pinto beans provide substance, and convenient ingredients like canned diced tomatoes create a rich, tomatoey foundation. Fresh zucchini and an array of spices round out the dish. We love serving this chili over rice, though it’s equally tasty with cornbread or a baked potato on the side.
