These Are Our 7 Favorite Chili Recipes We’ll Be Chowing Down On All Summer Long
If you’re one of those seasonal eaters who thinks hot foods like chili are best enjoyed during the dark, blustery days of winter, we’re here to change your mind.
Chili is a staple of summertime menus—from cookouts and potlucks to backyard BBQs and fairground fare—there’s no shortage of variations and recipes to choose from. It’s great mixed in mac ‘n’ cheese, as a topping for baked potatoes or slathered on a hot dog or burger.
And since we can practically feel the summer sun on our skin, it’s high time we showed appreciation for this classic, meaty and endlessly delicious dish. So, we’ve rounded up 7 of our favorite chili recipes that we will probably (read: definitely) have on repeat all year long.
Check them out below.
Hungry for more? Explore our recipe library for ideas and inspo for your next gathering.
Super Chili
If you’ve ever been to Texas, you know that chili is a way of life. In fact, it’s been the Official State Dish of Texas since 1977, so yeah, they take it pretty seriously.
And while you can only find a true bowl of Texas “red” down in Lone Star, this chili recipe comes pretty darn close. Packed with ground beef, fresh chili peppers and spices, it’s hearty and hard to put down. For a truly “authentic” Texas-style chili, omit the tomatoes—it’s all about the meat anyway.
Enjoy on its own or with some fresh-from-the-oven corn muffins (10/10 would recommend).
Instant Pot Chipotle Chili
We all love the ease and convenience of our Instant Pot (or, really, any multicooker for that matter!), especially when it means that the end result is this savory, smoky and balanced chili.
The secret to this chili’s depth of flavor? The ¼ cup of freshly brewed coffee! And sure, that might be a bit “out there,” but trust us, nothing elevates those notes of cinnamon, cumin and chipotle chilis quite like the nutty, roasted flavor of the world’s favorite bean.
This one is best enjoyed around a bonfire with good beer and great friends.
Ground Chicken and Bean Chili
Don’t get us wrong—we love a good meaty chili. But when we’re wanting something a little lighter that’s still jam-packed with flavor, we turn to this recipe.
The beauty of ground chicken? It takes on flavor exceptionally well, which means every bite is chock-full of warming spices and earthy beans. This is one recipe we can enjoy on both chilly winter days and warm, sticky summer nights.
Beef and Bean Chili
Depending on who you ask, chili either does or absolutely does not have beans in it. But we’re not here to debate because every bite of this lightly spiced chili recipe is straight up delicious.
In fact, this one is so thick and packed with flavor, it’s ideal for ladling atop your bratwurst or hot dog and chowing down under the hot summer sun. And that’s a winner in our books.
Instant Pot Short Rib Chili
Speaking of meaty chilis, this one has all the meat you could want with none of those pesky beans to fuss over.
Four pounds of short ribs are cooked in a base of spices, tomato paste and a homemade chili water that’s steeped with the heat of chipotle and arbol chiles. It’s then topped with a tangy, lightly spiced homemade lime sour cream that adds a welcome brightness.
Garnish with cilantro, green onions or cheddar cheese and prepare to enjoy every last bite.
Turkey Pumpkin Chili
Listen, before you come at us saying “turkey and pumpkin are fall ingredients,” hear us out—this chili recipe is too good to only be enjoyed for a few short months out of the year.
In fact, swap out the turkey for ground chicken and the pumpkin for sweet potato and you’ve got a hearty, warm-weather friendly dish that’s packed with flavor.
The only thing missing? A slice of homemade jalapeño and cheddar cornbread. *chef’s kiss*
White Turkey Chili
Not all chilis are created equal—just ask anyone from Texas, Kansas City or Cincinnati. And this one was created for those of us who want something filling and flavorful but could do with a little less heat.
Cumin and poblano pepper lend a mild kick to this otherwise tame chili recipe, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a taste or two… or three, or four. Beans, corn and white rice provide the base, allowing the turkey to take on the flavors of the spices. It’s light, simple and balanced enough to be enjoyed all year round.
Get the White Turkey Chili recipe!
Hungry for more? Explore our recipe library for ideas and inspo for your next gathering.
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