17 Bold Chili Recipes That Bring Something New

Chili isn’t tied to any one style, which is exactly what makes it so good. It can be quick and simple or deeply layered from hours of simmering. You’ll find versions that lean into smoky meat, some that skip the meat entirely, and others that experiment with global flavors or unexpected ingredients like squash, apples, or beer. This list highlights a mix of stovetop, slow cooker, and Instant Pot options that showcase just how flexible chili can be. Whether you want something spicy, sweet, extra hearty, or totally plant-based, these recipes cover it all—and then some.

Hearty Pumpkin Chili

A bowl of chili topped with sliced avocado, jalapeño, sour cream, and chopped herbs, with a spoon resting in the bowl. — Hearty Pumpkin Chili. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

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Pumpkin purée adds body and subtle sweetness to a savory chili base. It works well with beans, beef, or turkey and brings in a rich, earthy tone. The spice mix leans warm, with hints of cumin and cinnamon. A smart option for fall or whenever you want something a little different.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Pumpkin Chili

Instant Pot Turkey Chili

A white bowl of chili topped with tortilla strips sits on a wooden table next to a spoon and scattered tortilla pieces. — Instant Pot Turkey Chili. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This leaner version uses ground turkey and gets dinner on the table fast thanks to the Instant Pot. The pressure cooking helps lock in flavor while tenderizing everything in less time. It’s full of beans, tomatoes, and spices for a balanced bite. Great for weeknights when you want a warm bowl without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Turkey Chili

Beer Chili Recipe

A bowl of beer chili with a hearty and spicy texture. — Beer Chili Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

A splash of beer deepens the flavor of this traditional beef and bean chili. It adds a malty edge that balances out the tomatoes and spice. The alcohol cooks off, but the depth remains. It’s a go-to for game day or a cold-weather cook-up.
Get the Recipe: Beer Chili Recipe

Zippy’s Chili Recipe

A bowl of homemade chili with a sprinkle of cheese on top. — Zippy’s Chili Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This Hawaii favorite mixes ground beef, sausage, beans, and a hint of sweetness from sugar and ketchup. It’s more mild than spicy and often served over rice. The flavor is a little tangy and completely comforting. A great choice when you want something outside the usual.
Get the Recipe: Zippy’s Chili Recipe

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 chili uses cinnamon, cloves, and allspice for a sweet-savory flavor that’s totally different from standard versions. Served over spaghetti and topped with cheese, onions, and beans, it’s a full meal in a bowl. The texture is more like a meat sauce than a stew. A regional classic that deserves more attention.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili

Vegan White Chickpea Chili

This plant-based chili swaps in chickpeas for the usual white beans and skips all animal products. It’s creamy from blended cauliflower or coconut milk and gets a kick from green chiles. Bright and filling, it’s satisfying without feeling heavy. A fresh take that’s far from boring.
Get the Recipe: Vegan White Chickpea Chili

Vegetarian Chili

Two bowls of chili with onions and sour cream. — Vegetarian Chili. Photo credit: .

This meatless classic uses a base of beans, tomatoes, peppers, and corn. It’s well-seasoned and easy to adapt with whatever veggies you have on hand. Hearty enough to satisfy, even without meat. Serve with cheese, sour cream, or tortilla chips for added crunch.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Chili

Hearty Beef Chili

A bowl of chili surrounded by toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, bacon, corn bread, tortilla chips, chopped onions, and cilantro. — Hearty Beef Chili. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Thick with chunks of beef, tomatoes, and beans, this chili brings big flavor and no shortcuts. It’s a straightforward, meat-focused recipe that simmers until everything is tender. The spices build as it cooks. It’s a reliable go-to that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Beef Chili

Brisket Chili

A bowl of chili with shredded meat, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, avocado, and chopped green onions, with a spoon in the bowl. — Brisket Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chunks of brisket cook low and slow until they break apart into the chili base. The flavor is rich and smoky, and the texture is all about tender, meaty bites. Beans are optional here, depending on your preference. A strong pick for a cold Sunday.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Chili

Kabocha Squash Chili

A bowl of vegetable and bean stew topped with sliced jalapeños and fresh cilantro, with a small bowl of chopped herbs beside it. — Kabocha Squash Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This version uses roasted kabocha squash for a slightly nutty, sweet base. It pairs well with black beans, chipotle, and a hint of lime. The result is rich without being overly heavy. It’s a nice seasonal shift for those who like fall flavors with some heat.
Get the Recipe: Kabocha Squash Chili

Venison Chili

A bowl of chili topped with sour cream, shredded cheese, and sliced jalapeños, served with saltine crackers and tortilla chips on a plate. — Venison Chili. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Lean and slightly gamey, venison gives this chili a flavor that stands out from the usual beef. It holds up well to bold spices and long simmering. Beans can be added or skipped depending on preference. Great for fall or anytime you want something a little wild.
Get the Recipe: Venison Chili

Instant Pot Vegan Acorn Squash Chili

A bowl of bean soup with visible chunks of vegetables and a spoon in it, set on a blue textured surface. — Instant Pot Vegan Acorn Squash Chili. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Acorn squash melts into the chili base, adding sweetness and body to this meat-free mix. The Instant Pot cuts cooking time while keeping everything tender. Black beans and smoky spices round it out. It’s cozy, colorful, and great served with avocado or lime.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Vegan Acorn Squash Chili

Mixed Bean Chili

A trio of beans, kidney, black, and pinto, make this a texture-rich vegetarian chili. The tomato base is seasoned with garlic, cumin, and chili powder for deep flavor. It’s thick and hearty without needing meat. A reliable option for feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Mixed Bean Chili

Beanless Chili

A bowl of chili topped with shredded cheese, chopped onions, and a lime wedge, served with a slice of cornbread on a plate. — Beanless Chili. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

This no-bean version focuses on meat and spice, perfect for those who like things thick and bold. It’s usually made with ground beef and a deeply seasoned tomato base. The texture is smooth and rich. A strong pick for topping fries or stuffing baked potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Beanless Chili

Short Rib Chili

A bowl with shredded spaghetti squash and chili topped with sour cream and chopped green onions, with a spoon on the side. — Short Rib Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Short ribs are cooked until they fall apart, giving this chili a luxurious texture. The bones add extra flavor as it simmers. This version skips beans and focuses on the rich meat and spice. It’s slow, savory, and worth every minute.
Get the Recipe: Short Rib Chili

Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili

A white bowl filled with a stew containing chickpeas, diced potatoes, and chicken, topped with sour cream, green onions, and shredded cheese. — Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Diced apples and sharp cheddar blend with ground chicken for a balance of sweet and savory. The flavor profile is unique but totally works. It’s creamy, hearty, and full of small surprises in every bite. Serve with warm bread to soak it all up.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

A bowl of chicken chili soup with shredded chicken, beans, corn, tomatoes, crumbled cheese, and chopped herbs in a red broth. — Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Shredded chicken meets hot sauce and white beans in this spicy, creamy chili. It’s cooked all day for deep flavor and topped with blue cheese or ranch. It has the punch of Buffalo wings but in spoonable form. A winner for fans of heat.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili