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    Home » Trending

    21 chili recipes built for cold weather

    Published: Jan 14, 2026 by Kristen Wood · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Cold weather makes warm meals feel even better. Cooking at home brings rich taste without extra cost.

    Instant Pot Vegan Acorn Squash Chili

    Instant Pot Vegan Acorn Squash Chili. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Sweet squash meets heat in this clever bowl. Instant Pot Vegan Acorn Squash Chili brings surprising balance without needing meat or dairy. It’s a smart choice for meatless nights that still feel substantial.
    Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Vegan Acorn Squash Chili

    Kabocha Squash Chili

    A bowl of kabocha squash chili in a bowl on a blue plate.
    Kabocha Squash Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    Squash brings natural creaminess and substance without effort. Kabocha Squash Chili works well for a plant-forward meal that still fills you up. A good way to change up your usual chili routine.
    Get the Recipe: Kabocha Squash Chili

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    Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

    Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Lean and creamy, this chili holds up in both flavor and fullness. Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is a lighter option that still eats like a meal. It’s a regular in many cold-weather dinner plans.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

    Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili

    Cincinnatti chili on top of spaghetti and covered with cheese, beans and onions.
    Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

    You won’t eat this one plain, and that’s part of the fun. Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili brings a spiced base perfect for pasta or fries. It hits differently, in the best way.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili

    Vegan White Chickpea Chili

    Vegan White Chickpea Chili. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Beans like these hold up in a hearty plant-based bowl. Vegan White Chickpea Chili keeps the flavor big without relying on dairy or meat. Strong enough to be the main event.
    Get the Recipe: Vegan White Chickpea Chili

    Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili

    A bowl of chili with apples, beans and sour cream.
    Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    This one plays with flavor in a way that works surprisingly well. Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili combines sweetness, creaminess, and protein in a warm, hearty bowl. Something a little different without going too far.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili

    Hearty Beef Chili

    Hearty Beef Chili. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    No-frills chili built for long days and colder weather. Hearty Beef Chili gives you exactly what you need without overcomplicating it. The kind of meal that fills the house with warmth.
    Get the Recipe: Hearty Beef Chili

    Mixed Bean Chili

    Mixed Bean Chili. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

    If you want something hearty with no meat, this one shows up strong. Mixed Bean Chili layers texture and protein in every bite. A good one to batch cook and freeze for later.
    Get the Recipe: Mixed Bean Chili

    Lentil And Butternut Squash Vegetarian Chili

    Lentil And Butternut Squash Vegetarian Chili. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Classic cold-weather ingredients make this one stick with you. Lentil And Butternut Squash Vegetarian Chili brings depth and color to the table. Nothing boring about this meatless chili.
    Get the Recipe: Lentil And Butternut Squash Vegetarian Chili

    Panera Bread Turkey Chili Recipe

    A bowl of colorful bean and vegetable chili, featuring chickpeas, red kidney beans, carrots, and ground meat, placed on a patterned cloth with limes and a spoon nearby.
    Panera Bread Turkey Chili Recipe. Photo credit: Mama's on a Budget.

    This one brings comfort without being heavy. Panera Bread Turkey Chili Recipe balances lean protein and veggies while still keeping you full. Ideal for cozy nights with minimal effort.
    Get the Recipe: Panera Bread Turkey Chili Recipe

    Venison Chili

    Venison Chili. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    This one leans into lean meat and big flavor. Venison Chili brings a slightly gamier twist that works well with colder weather. Great choice for those who want something hearty but less expected.
    Get the Recipe: Venison Chili

    Chocolate Lamb Chili

    A bowl of lamb chili  garnished with cilantro, jalapeños and green onions with a gold spoon.
    Chocolate Lamb Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    Sweet meets heat in this unexpected combo. Chocolate Lamb Chili leans into bold choices that somehow just work. Best saved for nights when you want something that stands out.
    Get the Recipe: Chocolate Lamb Chili

    Easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

    Easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    With 21 comforting chili ideas made for chilly days, every bowl feels filling and cozy. Simple steps and bold flavor make cold nights feel complete.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

    Brisket Chili

    Brisket chili in a bowl topede with green onions and avocado.
    Brisket Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    Slow-cooked meat gives this version serious depth. Brisket Chili is rich, bold, and the kind of dinner that makes you pause. Feels built for snow days and second helpings.
    Get the Recipe: Brisket Chili

    Easy, Creamy White Bean Chili

    An overhead image of vegan white bean chili with toppings.
    Easy, Creamy White Bean Chili. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    Some nights call for something mellow but filling. Easy, Creamy White Bean Chili fits the bill with a creamy texture and solid protein. It holds its own next to any red chili.
    Get the Recipe: Easy, Creamy White Bean Chili

    Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

    A bowl of Texas roadhouse chili with jalapenos and beans.
    Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

    This one’s got all the no-bean, meat-forward comfort people expect from a restaurant classic. Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe hits hard with seasoning and depth. Cold nights feel shorter with this on the stove.
    Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

    Beanless Chili

    Beanless Chili. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    No beans, no filler—just meat and spice, straight to the point. Beanless Chili is bold, thick, and made for chili purists. Ideal when you want a straight-up, stick-to-your-ribs kind of dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Beanless Chili

    Short Rib Chili

    A bowl of chili with noodles and sour cream.
    Short Rib Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    Rich cuts make for a different kind of chili experience. Short Rib Chili builds flavor that lingers long after the bowl’s empty. No extra sides required to make it feel like a full meal.
    Get the Recipe: Short Rib Chili

    Easy Beef Chili Colorado

    Beef chili colorado with tortilla with tortillas on the side.
    Easy Beef Chili Colorado. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

    When simplicity meets bold heat, you get something worth repeating. Easy Beef Chili Colorado leans on strong chili flavor and a tender finish. Works best when the wind’s sharp and the blanket’s nearby.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Beef Chili Colorado

    Spicy Hummus Turkey Chili

    A skillet full of meat and beans in a pan with a wooden spoon.
    Spicy Hummus Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    Big flavor meets a bit of heat in this one. Spicy Hummus Turkey Chili adds creaminess and protein in a way that feels different from the usual bowl. Worth keeping in your cold-weather rotation.
    Get the Recipe: Spicy Hummus Turkey Chili

    Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

    Slow Cooker Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

    Easy to prep, easy to come back to, this one keeps it classic. Slow Cooker Turkey Chili covers the basics in a way that still feels satisfying. A solid weeknight go-to during colder months.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

    About Kristen Wood

    Kristen Wood is a writer, photographer, world traveler and cookbook author. Her work has been featured in various publications both online and in print, including Elle, Forbes, NBC, Chicago Sun-Times, Martha Stewart, Food Drink Life, Arizona Highways Magazine, New York Daily News, and more. She is also a syndicated writer for The Associated Press.

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