It’s hard to beat a simmering pot of chili when the air outside is brisk and you’re enjoying a cozy evening on the couch. Though sometimes, the same recipe week after week might start to get a little stale. Ever the problem solver, Senior Producer Nicole McLaughlin is coming to the rescue with five different chili variations to take for a spin this comfort food season. “I’ve got you covered with every type,” she assures us.
From Boilermaker to veggie—to one from a pro NFL athlete—here is your “one stop shop to find the perfect recipe for any chili this season. The hardest decision you’re going to have to make is which one to make first.”
Boilermaker Tailgate Chili
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Let’s start with a traditional version. “This one has it all,” Nicole notes. “It’s beefy, it’s got beans, it’s tomato-based. Perfect for tailgates.” No wonder this recipe is named for a Purdue University tradition. It may take a lot of chopping to start, but this one-pot chili is packed with flavor from ground chuck, Italian sausage, and loads of veggies. Over 8,000 five-star reviews confirm “this is your crowd-pleasing chili recipe.”
Slow Cooker Buffalo White Chicken Chili
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Break out the slow cooker for this hearty recipe Nicole calls “perfect for game day.” She hits all the right notes here, with chicken, green chiles, and white beans in a creamy, spicy base. “It has a lot of flavor, and needs very little hands-on time to make.”
Texas Chili
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
If you’re looking for melt-in-your-mouth meat along with rich flavor, reach for some dried chiles and test this version out. As the recipe page states, each bite has “just the right amount of heat. The beef is wonderfully tender and perfectly absorbs the smoky, savory seasoning of the pepper paste and spices.” It’s definitely worth the 3-plus hour wait. Reviewers agree, adding, “This is exceptionally good.”
Patrick Mahomes’ Green Turkey Chili
Allrecipes
Everyone has been talking about Patrick Mahomes’ chili recipe lately, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s a “fun, new take on chili,” Nicole exclaims, with peppers, ground turkey, cannellini beans, green enchilada sauce, and zesty spices. Nicole puts it to the test, to see “if he knows cooking as well as he knows football.” Spoiler alert? “It’s a touchdown.”
The Best Vegetarian Chili
Peyton Beckwith
“Everyone needs a good veggie chili,” Nicole begins, and this recipe is just that. Take it as an opportunity to empty your produce drawer with a one-pan meal that builds flavor with every step. The trick here involves a can of refried beans at the end to make it creamy and delicious. The best part? “It makes a big batch, is full of healthy veggies, and just hot enough.”
