These 32 Chili Recipes Are Perfect for Tailgates and Lazy Sundays

Nothing too fancy, just something that brings the heat and fills the house with good smells. With 32 easy ways to make it happen, there’s more than enough to fit any kind of crowd. Perfect for tailgates, perfect for slow Sundays!

Easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

A bowl of chili with beans, corn, avocado, red peppers, a dollop of sour cream, and cilantro, served with tortilla chips. — Easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

You don’t need meat to make something hearty enough for game day. Big flavor builds while it simmers, and no one misses a thing. Easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili is the kind of no-fuss dinner that disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

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.

Crunch on top, chili underneath, and everything else in between. Frito Chili Pie proves you don’t need much to make people ask for seconds. Throw it together fast or let it sit out for the game—it works either way.
Get the Recipe: Frito Chili Pie

Szechuan Shrimp

When chili night needs a wildcard, this one steps up fast. Szechuan Shrimp packs heat, crunch, and flavor in a way that balances out a slow-cooked pot. It’s not traditional, but it fits right in.
Get the Recipe: Szechuan Shrimp

Tomatillo Red Chili Salsa - Copycat Chipotle Hot Salsa

A jar of reddish-brown salsa with a wooden spoon inside, placed on a wooden table, surrounded by a lime and a piece of tortilla. — Tomatillo Red Chili Salsa - Copycat Chipotle Hot Salsa. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Some like to add heat instead of spooning it by the bowlful. Tomatillo Red Chili Salsa - Copycat Chipotle Hot Salsa brings just enough fire to layer onto tacos, chili, or tortilla chips. It earns its spot in the rotation.
Get the Recipe: Tomatillo Red Chili Salsa - Copycat Chipotle Hot Salsa

Instant Pot Millet + Pinto Bean Vegan Chili

A bowl of chili topped with sliced onions and served with avocado and tomato salsa. — Instant Pot Millet + Pinto Bean Vegan Chili. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This one’s got a little texture and a lot of comfort packed into every bowl. You’ll be surprised how much flavor comes through in Instant Pot Millet + Pinto Bean Vegan Chili, even without any extras. It holds up just fine on its own or topped to the max.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Millet + Pinto Bean Vegan Chili

Instant Pot Turkey Chili

Bowl of chili with baked tortilla strips. — Instant Pot Turkey Chili. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

When you need something quick that still feels like a win, this one always delivers. Instant Pot Turkey Chili gives you that familiar flavor without any dragging prep. It’s reliable, flexible, and perfect for casual Sundays.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Turkey Chili

Chicken Enchilada Soup - Chili's Copycat

Bowl of chili topped with crispy tortilla strips and cilantro. Surrounding the bowl are fresh cilantro leaves and a whole red chili pepper. — Chicken Enchilada Soup - Chili's Copycat. Photo credit: xoxobella.

This one blurs the line between chili and enchiladas in all the right ways. Chicken Enchilada Soup - Chili's Copycat is packed, thick, and easy to top how you like it. Don’t be surprised if it gets more attention than the game.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchilada Soup - Chili's Copycat

Kabocha Squash Chili

A little sweetness from the squash balances the heat in a way that keeps things interesting. Kabocha Squash Chili brings something new without stepping too far from the classics. It’s one to bookmark for your next slow weekend.
Get the Recipe: Kabocha Squash Chili

Instant Pot Vegan Acorn Squash Chili

A bowl of bean stew with tomatoes and a spoon on a textured blue surface. — Instant Pot Vegan Acorn Squash Chili. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

It’s the kind of bowl that tastes like it took all day but didn’t. With just enough heat and plenty of comfort, Instant Pot Vegan Acorn Squash Chili hits the spot. This one’s built for slow Sundays on the couch.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Vegan Acorn Squash Chili

Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Chili

Bowl of chili with beans, shredded cheese, avocado chunks, sour cream, fresh herbs, and a spoon. — Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Chili. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

A deep smoky heat makes this one stand out without needing much fuss. Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Chili hits hard with flavor but still keeps it simple. It’s exactly what you want after a long weekend.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Chili

Chicken Salad Sandwich with Chili Crisp

Rectangular wooden tray with four sandwiches filled with a mixture of shredded vegetables and lettuce on white and brown bread, placed on parchment paper. Peanuts and a glass of water nearby. — Chicken Salad Sandwich with Chili Crisp. Photo credit: xoxobella.

A good sandwich can still play backup to a strong chili game. The chili crisp in Chicken Salad Sandwich with Chili Crisp adds heat without overdoing it. Stack these next to any chili pot and let people decide their favorite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad Sandwich with Chili Crisp

Hearty Pumpkin Chili

A bowl of chili topped with avocado and peppers. — Hearty Pumpkin Chili. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Some people keep pumpkin for fall, but it works all season long in the right dish. Hearty Pumpkin Chili brings depth, comfort, and a little surprise to the table. Don’t expect leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Pumpkin Chili

Vegan White Chickpea Chili

Bowl of creamy soup with corn, beans, tortilla chips, sliced jalapeños, avocado, sour cream, and cilantro garnish. — Vegan White Chickpea Chili. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Beans, spice, and a creamy base come together in a way that’s hard to forget. Vegan White Chickpea Chili makes a solid case for keeping things meatless. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to.
Get the Recipe: Vegan White Chickpea Chili

Sweet Chili Wings

When you’re feeding a crowd or just want something to snack on between plays, these bring the right kind of kick. Sweet Chili Wings stay sticky, bold, and completely gone by halftime. They fit in just fine next to any bowl of chili.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Chili Wings

Easy, Creamy Vegan White Bean Chili

Bowl of white bean chili topped with diced red onions and avocado. A wooden spoon is in the bowl, and a sliced avocado is on the side. — Easy, Creamy Vegan White Bean Chili. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

There’s something about a creamy bowl that just works when you want to keep it low-key. With every bite, it’s clear that Easy, Creamy Vegan White Bean Chili doesn’t need a long ingredient list to hit the mark. You’ll be going back for more before halftime.
Get the Recipe: Easy, Creamy Vegan White Bean Chili

Turkey Chili Pie

When you top chili with something baked and golden, people start asking questions. Turkey Chili Pie mixes comfort with just enough crunch to keep things interesting. It doesn’t stick around long once it’s sliced.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili Pie

Lentil And Butternut Squash Vegetarian Chili

Bowl of lentil curry with yogurt, topped with cilantro, and served with crunchy flatbread. — Lentil And Butternut Squash Vegetarian Chili. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Tailgating doesn’t have to mean heavy. With a smooth base and earthy flavor, Lentil And Butternut Squash Vegetarian Chili keeps things cozy without overdoing it. It pairs well with cornbread or a side of chips.
Get the Recipe: Lentil And Butternut Squash Vegetarian Chili

Green Chili Chicken Soup

Overhead shot of a pot of the soup with two bowls of the soup and garnishes. — Green Chili Chicken Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Somewhere between chili and soup, this one finds its place at any tailgate table. Green Chili Chicken Soup has just enough heat to keep things interesting without overwhelming the bowl. Add toppings or keep it plain—it works either way.
Get the Recipe: Green Chili Chicken Soup

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.

When you want something bold without leaving the house, this one gets it done. Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe keeps it thick, beefy, and loaded like you'd expect. It’s always worth making a little extra.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

Venison Chili

A bowl of chili topped with sour cream, shredded cheese, and sliced jalapeños. Surrounded by saltine crackers and tortilla chips. A spoon is in the bowl. — Venison Chili. Photo credit: xoxobella.

This one brings a deeper flavor that doesn’t mess around. If you’ve got venison ready to go, Venison Chili makes a strong case for skipping beef. It’s the kind of dish that goes fast, especially once it hits the table.
Get the Recipe: Venison 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.

This one’s a little different, and that’s why it stands out. Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili pairs well with pasta and cheese, but still holds up solo. Once people try it, they keep coming back.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili

Beanless Chili

For those who skip the beans, this version doesn’t sacrifice a thing. Beanless Chili sticks to meat, spice, and slow-simmered flavor that shows up in every spoonful. It’s made for tailgates where you want to keep it classic but bold.
Get the Recipe: Beanless Chili

Crock Pot Chili For Two

Crock Pot Chili served in two white bowls with spoon. — Crock Pot Chili For Two. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Big batches aren’t always needed, especially when you just want something warm and filling. Crock Pot Chili For Two is scaled down but still feels like the full deal. It’s the right size for a quiet Sunday at home.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chili For Two

Hearty Beef Chili

There’s no need to get fancy when simple works this well. Hearty Beef Chili leans on classic flavor and keeps things rich without going overboard. It holds up for hours and still tastes great later.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Beef Chili

Brisket Chili

When you’ve got leftovers or want to try something richer, this one’s it. Brisket Chili has a depth that turns a regular bowl into something you talk about later. It works well with friends, football, or just a quiet evening.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Chili

Chipotle Chicken Fresh Mex Bowl - Chili's Copycat

If you’re into bold, layered bowls, this one checks every box. Chipotle Chicken Fresh Mex Bowl - Chili's Copycat brings smoke, heat, and crunch together in a way that doesn’t feel heavy. It’s solid for a tailgate or a laid-back dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Chicken Fresh Mex Bowl - Chili's Copycat

Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Letting things simmer in the background means more time for game-day snacks and less time in the kitchen. Slow Cooker Turkey Chili keeps the flavor full and the prep light. It’s one of those meals that works on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Copycat Chili's Southwest Chicken Soup – Slow Cooker Recipe

Bowl of chicken soup with avocado and cilantro on top, spoon in bowl, tortilla chips and avocado beside, placed on a striped cloth. — Copycat Chili's Southwest Chicken Soup – Slow Cooker Recipe. Photo credit: Mama's on a Budget.

This one brings a little extra spice and just enough kick to wake up your bowl. Copycat Chili's Southwest Chicken Soup – Slow Cooker Recipe adds variety to the chili lineup without straying too far from the comfort zone. Great with tortilla strips or none at all.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chili's Southwest Chicken Soup – Slow Cooker Recipe

The Ultimate Chili Bar

Let everyone make their own bowl, and you won’t hear a single complaint. The Ultimate Chili Bar turns one big pot into a full spread with just a few toppings. It’s the kind of setup that keeps things easy and fun.
Get the Recipe: The Ultimate Chili Bar

Crockpot Green Chili Chicken

Three chicken tacos topped with cilantro, avocado and red onions on a wooden cutting board. — Crockpot Green Chili Chicken. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

You set it up, forget about it, and by kickoff it’s ready. Crockpot Green Chili Chicken has the kind of slow-built flavor that always hits right. It’s even better with a stack of tortillas or cornbread on the side.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Green Chili Chicken

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

Not every chili has to be red to be bold. With a creamy texture and a gentle kick, Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili feels familiar in the best way. It’s always welcome at the tailgate table.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

Slow Cooker Chili Mac

Chili and noodles in one dish is always a good call for a relaxed Sunday. With everything cooked together, Slow Cooker Chili Mac gives you a dinner that’s ready whenever you are. It’s a solid crowd-pleaser without much work.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chili Mac