24 Beef Chili Recipes That Will Take Comfort Food to Another Level! 

August 25, 2024
Written by Kristy J. Norton

You have probably heard of a few types of beef chili dishes but there are actually a ton! You have super spicy chilies, chilis with and without tomatoes, and beans and so much more! If you want to discover all the beef chili recipes you possibly can, then check this list out: 

beef chili

1. Classic Beef Chili

Did you know that classic chili doesn't have beans in it? If you are looking for a recipe as close to traditional as possible, then this is the one! First the beef is tenderized, browned, and then added to tomatoes and spices until just right!

Get the recipe here.

2. Texas-Style Beef Chili

Texas style chili takes things one step further: not only doesn't it have any beans, it also doesn't have any tomatoes. If you imagine that this takes away from the flavor, think again! Here, cubes of beef are simmered in a spicy broth until the meat is tender and you have a thick, delicious gray to go with it! 

Get the recipe here.

3. Beef Chili with Beans

If you can't imagine a chili without beans, then check this recipe out! Here, seasoned ground beef is browned with jalapeno and aromatics before being cooked in broth, beer, and tomatoes - and of course - beans! Add a bit of brown sugar for some sweetness and you will have the msot delicious chili ever! 

Get the recipe here.

Beef Chili with Beans

4. Beef Chili with Bacon

Want to take the flavor up a notch with your chili? This recipe will do it! Not only do you add bacon to your chili but you also cook some of the aromatics in bacon grease for additional flavor. This chili also gets a flavor boost from ingredients like fire roasted tomatoes and fire roasted green chiles. It is definitely a must-try chili! 

Get the recipe here.

5. Southwest Chili with Beans and Corn

Southwest chili includes both beans and corn, making it a heartier chili! It is still loaded up with spices and flavors although you get to decide the level of spiciness of your chili! The great thing about this chili recipe is that it can be made in a Dutch oven, slow cooker, or Instant Pot. 

Get the recipe here.

6. One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese

The only thing better than chili has to be chili and mac and cheese - this is exactly what this recipe offers up! Spicy, saucy, and tender beef along with perfectly cooked pasta and tons of cheese. And in case this recipe didn't sound good enough, all of this comes together in a single pan, making this a fuss-free dish! 

Get the recipe here.

7. Cincinnati-Style Chili

If you have ever had Cincinnati-style chili, then you know that the chili is actually served over spaghetti! While a lot of the spices are the same as traditional chili, you should include cloves and allspice in this recipe. Also, the meat isn't browned - it is cooked straight away with the rest of the ingredients. Go ahead and give this recipe a try. 

Get the recipe here

8. Michigan Chili Dogs

Michigan has a unique but delicious way of serving their chili - on top of hot dogs! This beef chili has fewer spices than traditional chili but does include allspice. Also, you add ground pork to the ground beef. Once the chili has been cooked to perfection, it is ladled over freshly prepared hot dogs and then topped with raw onion, cheese, and mustard. 

Get the recipe here.

9. Chili Con Carne Potato Top Pie

It turns out that there is a way to make chili better - throw mashed potatoes into the mix! Here, a batch of freshly cooked beef chili is topped off with a layer of mashed potatoes and then baked in the oven until golden brown. For even more flavor, sprinkle some cheese on the mashed potatoes before baking. 

Get the recipe here

10. Smoky Chili with Rice

This chili con carne has a gorgeous smoky flavor courtesy of chipotle paste! In addition to being delicious, this chili also has the added benefit of being easy to make - it takes only around 15 minutes to cook. Top the chili with grated cheese and serve with a side of cooked rice. 

Get the recipe here

11. Chili Con Carne Nachos 

Loaded nachos are great - nachos loaded with chili are even better! As an added bonus, this chili recipe can be made in under an hour and is super flavorful. Spoon the chili over tortilla chips, sprinkle a layer of cheese, and pop in the oven. Next, sprinkle the chili nachos with warm queso, sour cream, and onions. 

Get the recipe here.

12. Smoky Beef and Poblano Chili

The secret to this beef chili is the poblano peppers - they add smokiness and a hint of spice. Don't worry because this chili is also seasoned with a ton of other spicy ingredients. To really kick things up a notch, make sure to use Mexican lager when cooking this chili. 

Get the recipe here.

13. Chili with Potatoes

This chili is the very definition of hearty! Potatoes may not be very traditional but they add a delicious flavor and texture to the chili. And, the fact that this chili also contains ground beef and two kinds of beans means that it is sure to keep you full for quite a while! 

Get the recipe here.

14. Chili Cheese Sloppy Joes

It turns out that there are plenty of ways to serve beef chili but sloppy joes are definitely a fan favorite. Simply make the chili - this recipe takes less than half an hour to make. Then, spoon the chili onto a brioche bun, add a scoop of sour cream, and then top with as much shredded cheese as you want! 

Get the recipe here.

15. Five Alarm Chili

Do you like your chili spicy? Then this is a recipe that you need to try out! It contains ancho chilies, chipotle chilis, jalapenos, chili powder, and cayenne pepper! So, you better be ready to handle the kind of heat that this chili is dishing out! 

Get the recipe here.

16. Healthy Chili 

If you want to make your chili a bit healthier, then this recipe will help you out! This recipe uses very lean beef and adds a ton of veggies in the mix to help bulk the chili up. The good news is that this chili still has plenty of flavor so you aren't going to feel like you are missing out! 

Get the recipe here.

Healthy Chili

17. Beef Chili Hot Pot

This beef chili hot pot recipe is so cozy! Here, you make your chili and then place it in a baking dish. Carefully arrange sliced baby potatoes in a spiral, starting from the outside and making your way inside. Brush the potato layer with oil and season. Then, pop into the oven until done. 

Get the recipe here.

18. Chili Con Carne with Chocolate

Adding dark chocolate to something as savory and as spicy as chili con carne can seem like an odd move. However, the dark chocolate adds an incredible depth of flavor, making the sauce feel more luxurious. And, don't worry, you won't be able to taste the chocolate in the chili, only how it enhances the rest of the flavors! 

Get the recipe here

19. Loaded Chili Tacos

These chili tacos have everything you need for a full meal! The chili contains a ton of meat and veggies. Ladle the hearty chili onto tortillas and top with cheese, avocado, sour cream, and any other toppings you like! 

Get the recipe here

20. Chili Beef Jacket Potatoes 

Can you think of a better way to serve chili than over a baked potato? While you are whipping up your homemade chili, bake the potatoes. When they are done, slice open the potatoes, pour the chili on top, add sour cream and cheese and enjoy! 

Get the recipe here.

Chili Beef Jacket Potatoes

21. Chili Cornbread Skillet

There is almost nothing more comforting than chili and cornbread and this recipe helps you to get the best of both worlds. Make the chili in an oven safe skillet. Then, top it with cheese and homemade cornbread dough. Pop this in the oven and bake until done. 

Get the recipe here.

22. Barbecue Chili Biscuit Casserole 

If you prefer a more barbecue style chili, then this is the recipe for you! Here, you add barbecue sauce into the mix to give the chili a smoky and sweet flavor. The fun doesn't end here, though! Premade biscuits are added on top of the chili and then baked until golden brown! 

Get the recipe here.

23. Loaded Sweet Potato Fries with Chili Cheese

There is such a gorgeous combination of flavors going on here! Homemade baked sweet potato fries are served under a batch of freshly made chili, topped off with salsa and cheese sauce. It is the perfect snack! 

Get the recipe here.

24. Chili Con Carne with Chili Cheddar Shortcakes

If you want to add an extra layer of deliciousness to your chili, this is the way to do it! Make the chili and in the meantime, bake homemade cheddar and jalapeno shortcakes - it is easier than you think. Then serve the shortcakes alongside the chili. 

Get the recipe here.

There are so many different spins you can put on chili! It doesn't matter if you are looking for dinner or game day dishes, your chili is sure to be a winner with these recipes! 

By Kristy J. Norton
I'm Kristy – a chef and connoisseur of all things BBQ! You can find me either in my kitchen (or someone else's) or at a big outdoor barbecue surrounded by friends and family. In both my professional and personal life I’ve picked up more than a few tips and tricks for turning out delicious food. I consider it a privilege to share it with others!
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