Nothing says game day like a pot of chili simmering away while everyone waits for kickoff. Its rich flavor and hearty ingredients keep people full and happy through every quarter. These recipes range from meaty classics to creative mixes with beans, squash, or a splash of beer. They hold up well for hours, making them perfect for tailgates or feeding a crowd at home. Leftovers taste even better, so nothing goes to waste.
Brisket Chili
This thick and hearty chili puts leftover brisket to good use, mixing it with beans, peppers, corn, and a tomato base that slowly develops rich flavor. It’s a bold, meaty choice that stands out at any game day spread.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Chili
Kabocha Squash Chili
Slow-cooked kabocha squash creates a naturally creamy texture and gentle sweetness that balances the spices in this vegetarian chili. It’s filling and flavorful, perfect for anyone looking for a meat-free option that still keeps everyone satisfied at tailgate gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Kabocha Squash Chili
Chocolate Lamb Chili
Lamb stew meat is simmered with beans and a rich blend of spices, with a touch of chocolate that adds depth similar to a classic mole sauce. The result is a memorable, slightly smoky chili that feels special enough to headline a big game feast.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Lamb Chili
Turkey Chili Pie
This skillet dinner layers lean turkey chili with a cornbread topping that bakes to a golden crust. The mix of hearty filling and bread-like topping makes it a two-in-one dish that can handle hungry crowds at a game day party.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili Pie
Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili
White beans, cheddar, and diced apples add creaminess and a hint of natural sweetness to this chicken chili. It’s a creative, fall-inspired choice that pairs perfectly with chips or cornbread for football Sunday.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili
Spicy Hummus Turkey Chili
Creamy hummus blends right into this turkey chili, giving it a rich body and a subtle Mediterranean note while keeping the heat from spices. It’s a one-pot meal that will draw attention at the tailgate table for its unique flavor and heartiness.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Hummus Turkey Chili
Short Rib Chili
Beef short ribs simmer slowly in a porter beer broth until they’re fall-apart tender, creating a chili that’s bold and deeply flavored. It reheats beautifully, so it’s perfect to make ahead for game day or to freeze for another cold weekend.
Get the Recipe: Short Rib Chili
Slow Cooker Chili Mac
This recipe brings chili and macaroni together with plenty of melted cheese in one pot. It’s a crowd-pleasing mash-up that travels well in a slow cooker, making it a natural fit for tailgates or long afternoons of football.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chili Mac
Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili
This take on Cincinnati’s famous chili cooks low and slow with ground beef, spices like cinnamon and cloves, and tomato sauce until rich and fragrant. Serve it over spaghetti or hot dogs to feed a big group without extra fuss.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili
Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe
Inspired by the popular restaurant favorite, this hearty beef chili is loaded with peppers, beans, and a well-seasoned tomato base. It’s a reliable pick when you want a classic bowl that tastes like it came from a trusted kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe
White Chicken Chili
Tender chicken simmers with white beans, mild green chiles, and cream to create a thick, comforting chili that’s as good with tortilla chips as it is on its own. It’s a versatile option that always draws a crowd at casual fall get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: White Chicken Chili
Hearty Pumpkin Chili
Pumpkin purée stirs right into the sauce, giving this beef and bean chili extra body and a hint of earthiness that pairs well with chili spices. It’s a seasonal favorite that tastes just right on a crisp afternoon with friends.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Pumpkin Chili
One Pot Steak and Black Beans Chili
Cubes of steak, black beans, tomatoes, and spices simmer together in a single pot until the meat is tender and the flavors meld. It works on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, making it a flexible choice for tailgates or busy weekends.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Steak and Black Beans Chili
Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili
Sweetness from tomatoes and a touch of honey meets the smoky crunch of bacon and the mild flavor of turkey in this hearty chili. It’s a balanced, crowd-friendly option that holds its own on a big game buffet.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili
White Chickpea Chili
Chickpeas and mild green chiles give this meatless chili a creamy texture and bright flavor. It’s a lighter but still satisfying bowl that keeps vegetarians happy without missing any of the hearty appeal that chili needs.
Get the Recipe: White Chickpea Chili
Beer Chili Recipe
Beer deepens the flavor of this classic ground beef chili as it cooks, creating a robust base that pairs perfectly with sharp cheddar and a hunk of cornbread. It’s built to please on game day and simple enough to scale for a large crowd.
Get the Recipe: Beer Chili Recipe
Easy Beef Chili Colorado
Tender chunks of beef simmer for hours in a rich red chili sauce until every bite is full of deep, smoky flavor. This Mexican-inspired dish is great over rice or with warm tortillas, making it a standout centerpiece for a chilly afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Easy Beef Chili Colorado