By Courtney Minor
Published Jan 25, 2025
Whenever I’m craving true comfort food, I whip out one of my easy homemade chili recipes to save the day. No dinner can satisfy hunger on a cold night quite like a big bowl of chili stuffed with hearty ingredients, and luckily the whole family loves chili night as much as I do! Whether you prefer beef, chicken, turkey, pork, or a meatless version, there’s a list of good chili recipes here for you.
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Easy Recipes for Chili
Chili is a savory and satiating dish that’s made with a delicious mix of ingredients like meat, beans, chili powder (or peppers), tomato sauce, and other chili seasonings . The most traditional chili recipes are made with ground beef, but I love to make it with chicken, turkey, and pork, too. There’s really no bowl of chili I can pass up!
When I cook chili at home, I like mine to be a little spicy, with a thick texture so I can get a spoonful of flavor with every bite. I really pack in the ingredients for a hearty dinner or game day meal that’s especially comforting on winter nights . But you’ll find me whipping up a batch of my white chicken chili any time of year!
No matter which of my homemade chili recipes I’m making, I know my family is going to eat it right up, so it’s the perfect meal when I don’t know what to cook. Plus these recipes are all super easy–just throw some ingredients in a pot and let it simmer until it’s nice and thick!
Classic Beef Chili
Beef Chili Recipes
When I think of chili, I immediately think of the super savory recipes with ground beef, and I have quite a few ideas I cycle through when I’m craving this classic version.
- Classic Chili : You can’t beat a classic! This homemade recipe is filled with ingredients like beef, beans, pork, chili seasoning, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Chili con Carne : Stuffed with ground beef, chili powder, onions, tomatoes, and beans, this hearty one pot chili recipe is a must for meat-lovers!
- Quick and Easy Chili : I call this my “Lazy Day Chili” because it only requires 6 ingredients and 30 minutes to make. Perfect for when I don’t really want to cook!
- Crockpot Chili : I love using my Crockpot to cook chili because I can just throw everything in it, and let it cook without another thought! Plus, this recipe makes a big batch, so there’s plenty for leftovers.
- Instant Pot Chili : If you have a pressure cooker, you can make this easy weeknight chili filled with a range of spices, ground meat, chilies, peppers, and more.
Creamy White Chicken Chili
Chicken Chili Recipes
Chicken is my favorite dinner ingredient, so of course I love to use it when cooking chili too! This is a great way to use up leftover or shredded chicken .
- Creamy White Chicken Chili : World-famous chili recipe? I like to think so! This creamy recipe is certainly my favorite chili recipe, my family’s favorite, and a reader favorite too. Cream cheese is what makes this dish soooo creamy addicting!
- Crockpot White Chicken Chili : This is basically the same recipe, but adapted for the slow cooker for convenience. Chicken, white beans, green chiles, and cream cheese are key ingredients!
- Buffalo Chicken Chili : This one is for all the buffalo wing fans out there! The creamy buffalo sauce broth is incredibly addicting, with just the right amount of heat. You have to try out this chili for game day!
- Instant Pot White Chicken Chili : This is such an easy way to make white chili, and it always comes out of the Instant Pot deliciously creamy and flavorful!
Chili Mac
Chili Mac Recipes
One of my kids’ favorites dinners is this classic combo of beefy chili and cheesy macaroni. I don’t mind making it all the time because I love it too, plus I have a few different ways of preparing it!
- Chili Mac : This easy stovetop recipe combines mac and cheese, ground beef, and beans in one pot, and it’s ready to eat in just 30 minutes!
- Crockpot Chili Mac : Using my slow cooker means I can get some stuff done around the house while dinner is cooking, and it’s ready to serve by the time my boys get hungry.
- Instant Pot Chili Mac : This is the quickest and easiest way to make chili mac, and I love how cheesy everything gets while cooking in the Instant Pot.
Sweet Potato Chili
Homemade Chili Ideas
Whether you prefer pork, sausage, turkey, or even meatless options, I have plenty more homemade chili recipes to share with you!
- Sweet Potato Chili : Sweet potatoes are a great addition to this chili with Italian sausage, because it’s healthy, filling, and flavorful! You can skip the sausage if you want another meat-free chili idea.
- Chile Verde : This stew-like green chili recipe is a little different than the typical red or white chili recipes, but you’re definitely going to want to try it. Tomatillos, jalapenos, poblanos, and pork shoulder create a wonderful dish!
- Turkey Chili : Inspired by Tex-Mex flavors, I made this chili recipe with ground turkey (for a healthier option), taco seasoning, green chilies, black beans, corn, and some other fave ingredients.
- Cincinnati Chili : This one is a little unique, but it’s a comforting favorite you’ll recognize if you’re also from the Midwest! A sweet and spicy chili sauce is served on a bed of spaghetti with beans, onions, and cheese for a nice full dinner.
- Instant Pot Chili Verde : On busy weeknights, I love to whip up this recipe in just about 30 minutes for a perfectly-spicy meal!
Baked Chili Dogs
Leftover Chili Recipes
If you made a big batch of one of these chili recipes and need a few extra ways to eat it all up, try these leftover chili ideas! You can’t go wrong with reheating and eating another bowl, but I love these recipes too. They’re especially great for game day!
- Baked Chili Dogs : Simply spread extra chili on top of these cheesy hot dogs, bake them in the oven, then enjoy. This recipe is crowd-friendly!
- Chili Cheese Fries : This recipe shows you how to make chili from scratch, but you can also substitute leftovers instead. Just layer it on top of some crispy french fries with cheese, green onions, or any toppings you like.
With so many easy chili recipes to choose from, I just know you’ll find one (or two, or five) that your family will love! Don’t forget to load yours up with toppings like crackers, tortilla strips, shredded cheese, or sour cream. And if you need something to serve with these chili ideas for a filling dinner, you can’t go wrong with homemade cornbread or a classic baked potato . Enjoy!
More Hearty Dinner Ideas
- 40 Ground Beef Recipes
- 40 Comfort Food Recipes
- 20 Burger Recipes
- 40 Air Fryer Dinner Recipes
By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017
This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.
Essential Grocery List
It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!
It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.
However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.
In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.
I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.
When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.
So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Fresh Produce
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Onion
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
GRAINS
- Breadcrumbs
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sandwich Bread
- Tortillas
MEAT/PROTEIN
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Ground Beef
- Sliced Turkey
- Lunch Meat
DAIRY
- Butter
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Cheese
- Milk
- Sour Cream
- Greek Yogurt
BAKING GOODS
- Baking powder
- Baking Soda
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Flour
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Dry Yeast
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
FREEZER
- Fruit and Berries
- Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
- Juice Concentrate
- Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
- Pie Crust
- Cookie Dough
CANNED/DRIED GOODS
- Chicken stock/broth
- Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Jam/Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
- Soups
- Tuna
- Green Chiles
- Canned Veggies
- Coffee or Tea
Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods
CONDIMENTS/SPICES
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
- Salad Dressings
OILS/VINEGARS
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable/Canola Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Vinegar
- Cooking Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
SNACKS
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Quick Oats
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Cereal
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!
I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!
Stock Your Kitchen
Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!
Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On
Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)
Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen
Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen
Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use
26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them
What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?
Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)
How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)
Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
