Discover 12 Unique Chili Recipes (2024)

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Chili is a popular dish for those with adventurous taste buds. The name is derived from the word “chile” which is Spanish in origin and refers to the spicy chili pepper. Let's get right into the recipes. Here are our 13 favorite unique chili recipes. Enjoy!

Spicy Chicken Chili Verde Recipe

Spicy Chicken Chili Verde Ingredients: 1 pound skinned and boned chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 medium onion, chopped 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 cups chicken broth 1 cup salsa verde 1 cup frozen whole kernel corn 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon hot sauce ½ teaspoon pepper 1

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Meatless Sweet Potato Chili Recipe

Meatless Sweet Potato Chili Ingredients: 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes 14 ounce can diced tomatoes 2 Tablespoons chili powder 1 Tablespoon ground cumin 2 teaspoons paprika 2 Tablespoons dark brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch chunks 1 clove garlic, minced 15 ounce can kidney beans 15 ounce

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Blue Ribbon Chili Recipe

Blue Ribbon Chili Buttered Cornbread This quick and easy chili uses chili seasoning mix and two kinds of kidney beans along with other convenient pantry staples to create a simple weeknight meal. Serve with cornbread for a hearty dinner that requires little prep. Blue Ribbon Chili Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef½ onion, chopped1 teaspoon ground

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Discover 12 Unique Chili Recipes (4)

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Chili co*ke Roast Recipe

Chili co*ke Roast Mashed Potatoes Garlic Green Beans The perfect mix of sweet and savory, this easy chili co*ke roast recipe uses a crockpot which makes the meat so tender and juicy it falls apart. Spoon it over mashed potatoes to soak up all the deliciousness of the Coca-Cola infused gravy. Chili co*ke

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Green Chili Breakfast Recipe

Green Chili Breakfast Recipe Ingredients:9 large eggs6 Tablespoons milk2 Tablespoons butter 2/3 cup extra-sharp cheddar — shredded1 4 oz can of green chiles — chopped1 sliced tomato (for garnish)3/4 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon pepperDirections:1. Put butter in 8″ square baking pan. Set in 350 degree oven to melt.2. Slightly beat eggs, milk, salt and pepper. Pour

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Black Bean and Vegetable Chili Recipe

Black Bean and Vegetable Chili Ingredients: 1 pound fresh white mushrooms, cleaned and sliced 6 cups sliced carrots (about 12 medium carrots) 6 cups sliced celery (about 12 stalks) 4 cups chopped onion (about 4 medium) 2 large green bell peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces 12 cups red sauce 8 (15 ounce) cans kidney beans

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Beefy Green Chili Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Beefy Green Chili Enchilada Casserole Southwestern Black Bean Salad The side dish that goes along with tonight’s entrée makes 3 extra servings that will go great on a salad or wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla for lunch the next day. Beefy Green Chili Enchilada Casserole Ingredients: 1 pound ground sirloin 1 teaspoon minced garlic

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Black Bean Chili Recipe

Black Bean Chili Rice Prepare your favorite rice to serve this chili over for an even more-filling dinner or freshly baked cornbread. Black Bean Chili Ingredients: 2 cups dried black beans, rinsed 1 cup chopped red onion 1 cup diced carrot ½ cup chopped red bell pepper ½ cup chopped green bell pepper 1 tablespoon

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Belly Busting Pork Chili Recipe

Pork chili sounds delicious enough but to earn the name belly-busting, it’s got to be special.

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Cornbread Topped Chili Recipe

This is a delicious variation of a cornbread chili casserole. It’s made easier by using cornbread stuffing mix and a skillet to make a belly filling one pan meal.

Meatless Monday Chili Mac Recipe

Meatless Monday Chili Mac Ingredients: 1 large onion, chopped 1 large green pepper, chopped 1 Tablespoon olive oil 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 cups water 1½ cups uncooked elbow macaroni1 can (16 ounces) mild chili beans, undrained 1 can (15½ ounces) great northern beans, rinsed and drained 1 can (14½ ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce 4 teaspoons chili powder1

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Football Chili 8 Ways

Football Chili 8 Ways

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The Best Crockpot Chili Recipe and Its History

Discover 12 Unique Chili Recipes (13)

The first chili recipe dates back to the 1850’s and includes dried beef, suet, dried chili peppers, and salt. The ingredients were pounded together and formed into bricks so they could be eaten on the go.

Winning Chili Recipe and Ingredients

Chili can be made with or without beans and meat and there are a variety of other ingredients you can use to customize it to your liking. Here are some varieties you can make.

Chili Con Carne: Meat lovers favor this type of chili where there are no beans and a lot of beef. Peppers and spices are added and occasionally you might find tomatoes and onions floating around.
Chili Verde: This chili gets its name due to the use of green chilis. Here, chunks of pork are simmered in local Hatch peppers.

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Discover 12 Unique Chili Recipes (14)

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Carne Adovada: This is a pork-based New Mexico specialty with a broth centered around potent, red dried peppers. It has a drier, thicker consistency than most chilis and is therefore often served in a taco shell.

White Chicken Chili: Those who are looking for a leaner meat in their chili might prefer this white chili, which can be made with turkey or chicken. Other ingredients include pale cannellini beans and a good deal of hot peppers and spice.

Rocky Mountain Chili: So named because it uses game that is local to the Rocky Mountain area. Ground elk is the main ingredient of this dish. Also added are chipotles as well as chocolate and coffee which takes this chili recipe to the next level.

Vegan Black Bean Chili: Though some may think it’s a sin to eat meatless chili, there are versions meant to suit vegan and vegetarian diets. This type of chili counts on legumes to provide flavor and texture and rounds it out with tomatoes, onions and spices.

Discover 12 Unique Chili Recipes (16)

Today, chili remains a favorite meal and is often made in cook offs. In fact, If you’re ready for the big time and want to compete, find a chili cook-off in your area with the International Chili Society’s Chili Cook-Off Locator.

We promise that this blue-ribbon chili is the best chili recipe you’ll ever make. With surprise ingredients like beer and unsweetened cocoa, the blend of seasonings and flavors creates a mouth watering chili that will have them begging for the recipe. For the brave souls that like more fire, double the hot sauce to kick it up a notch.

If you enjoy this recipe, make sure to check out our Chili con Carne Recipe and our Copycat Wendys Chili Recipe

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The Best Chili Recipe

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  • Author: Moms Who Think
  • Total Time: 2 Hours, 50 Minutes.
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Description

This chili has been taste tested by people that have searched high and low for thebest chili recipe and they agreed…it is definitely a winner!

Ingredients

Scale

  1. 2 1/2 lb. lean chuck, ground
  2. 1 lb. lean pork, ground
  3. 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  4. 1 cup finely chopped onion
  5. 8 oz. hunt’s tomato sauce
  6. 1 cup water
  7. 1 can beer (12 oz.)
  8. 3 Tablespoons chili powder
  9. 2 Tablespoons instant beef bouillon (or 6 cubes)
  10. 2 Tablespoons cumin, ground
  11. 2 teaspoons paprika
  12. 2 teaspoons oregano leaves
  13. 2 teaspoons sugar
  14. 1/2 teaspoon coriander, ground
  15. 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa
  16. 1/2 teaspoon Louisiana hot sauce
  17. 1 teaspoon cornmeal
  18. 1 teaspoon flour
  19. 1 teaspoon warm water

Instructions

  1. In a large saucepan brown 1 1/4 pounds of the ground meat (the beef and the pork), drain the fat.
  2. Remove meat (the beef and the pork). Brown the rest of the ground meat, drain all but 2 tablespoons of the fat.
  3. Add the garlic and onion, cook and stir until tender.
  4. Add the other half of the meat and the tomato sauce, water, beer, chili powder, bouillon, cumin, paprika, oregano, sugar, coriander, cocoa, and hot sauce. Mix well.
  5. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer, covered , for 2 hours.
  6. In a small bowl, stir together the cornmeal and flour, then add the warm water and mix well.
  7. Stir into chili and cook, covered, for an additional 20 minutes.

Notes

If you accidentally add too much hot sauce or spice to your chili, serve it with sour cream or extra cheese on top. Dairy contains a protein called casein that cools the burning heat of spicy foods.

  • Prep Time: 30 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 Hours, 20 Minutes.
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Crockpot
  • Cuisine: American

Other Spicy Dishes to Try

After going through this article, you've got a lot of recipes to try! If you want to take a break from chili, check out some of these other spicy dishes:

  • Hot wings. What list of spicy dishes is complete without hot wings? Lather your hot sauce of choice all over some wings, and serve! Wings are generally an appetizer or a side, but if you make enough they can be a main course!
  • Spicy baked beans. Baked beans are generally known for being sweet, but you can make them spicy if you want! These are great to have along with spicy sausage; the flavors will compliment each other nicely!
  • Jerk chicken. While it isn't always spicy, jerk chicken can definitely be on the spicy side with the right recipe. Jerk chicken refers to the way the meat is seasoned and prepared, rather than a specific cut of chicken or a full-blown specific recipe. If you haven't given this Jamaican dish a try, you need to.
  • Hot chicken sandwich. Popular in Nashville, hot chicken sandwiches are a fantastic lunch or dinner for anyone with a love of spicy food. There are a lot of different sauces that go great with this sandwich; pick the one that your family loves best!
  • Spicy crab rolls. Looking for something a little on the fancy side? Why not spicy crab rolls? While fresh crab rolls are best, sometimes frozen crab is all you have access to. Either way, this dish is sure to impress whoever you serve it to.
  • Spicy salmon. Salmon is generally known as a milder fish, so there's a lot of room to play with heat here. Salmon is widely accessible as a fresh fish, so this is a great choice if you don't want to use frozen seafood. There are a lot of ways to make salmon spicy, so play around with it and find what you like best!
  • Mexican hot chocolate. You know hot chocolate as a classic sweet drink, but what if we told you it could be spicy? Mexican hot chocolate is exactly that. This drink will leave your taste buds tingling in the best way!
  • Curry. There are so many different kinds of curry out there! You're bound to find one you love, whether you're a meat lover or a vegetarian. Curry is traditionally on the spicy side, but it doesn't always have to be. Find your favorite recipe and add it to your repertoire!

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Foodio/Shutterstock.com.

The Food Substitutions Bible

  • The must-have convenient reference guide for every home cook!
  • Includes more than 8,000 substitutions for ingredients, cookware, and techniques.
  • Save time and money on by avoiding trips to grab that "missing" ingredient you don't really need.

Discover 12 Unique Chili Recipes (24)

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Discover 12 Unique Chili Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to amazing chili? ›

Only Add Flavorful Liquids

Instead of adding water to your chili, add some more flavor with chicken or beef broth, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, or even beet or wine. Each one of these options brings out different notes and levels of sweetness that will enhance your culinary creation.

What can I add to chili to make it unique? ›

5 Secret Ingredients That'll Take Your Chili to the Next Level
  1. Cocoa Powder. Chocolate might not be the first thing you think of when you're making a batch of chili but it pairs perfectly with peppers. ...
  2. Beer. Why use water or stock as your liquid when you could add beer? ...
  3. Coffee. ...
  4. Cinnamon.
Sep 12, 2021

What is the secret to competition chili? ›

Additional Depth of Flavor

Ingredients like tomato paste, cinnamon, coffee and liquid smoke can all add flavor hints that will make your chili cook-off entry unique. Roast your vegetables and use broth or beer instead of water for even more flavor in your pot.

How do you add richness to chili? ›

You should never overpower the chili with something, but don't be afraid to experiment! Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight.

What is the most important spice in chili? ›

Best Herbs And Spices For Chilli Con Carne
  • Smoked paprika. Smoked paprika is an essential spice in any chilli recipe. ...
  • Ground cumin. It's hard to imagine Mexican chilli con carne without cumin. ...
  • Garlic powder. ...
  • Onion powder. ...
  • Oregano. ...
  • Marjoram. ...
  • Ground coriander. ...
  • Chilli powder.

Why do you put vinegar in chili? ›

Acids enhance the salty, umami-rich flavors already present in chili, and round out the sweetness, adding intricacy to the dish. Apple cider vinegar is versatile with a light, fruity flavor, but red wine and balsamic vinegar are both good choices for heavier chilis that need something bolder.

Why do you put brown sugar in chili? ›

Mmm! Now for the piece de resistance: 1-2 heaping Tablespoons brown sugar. The chili tastes completely different without the brown sugar so if you like a subtle sweetness in your chili then you've just got to go for it! Trust me, it will not make your chili taste like candy.

What's missing from my chili? ›

Sometimes after a long simmer, your chili will taste wonderful be maybe missing one little thing you can't figure out. Try a tad bit of vinegar or a squeeze of lime! The acidity in vinegar & limes bring a good roundness to the pot and binds all the flavors together.

What does cinnamon do for chili? ›

I'm a firm believer that a pinch or two of cinnamon adds great depth of flavor to chili (looking at you Cincinnati Chili!), and I often pair my chili with a 'sweeter' bread like cornbread, challah bread, or Parker House Rolls.

How to add depth of flavor to chili? ›

If you want more of a smoky flavor, add cumin, Spanish paprika, ancho chili powder, or a combination. If you are looking for more heat, add cayenne, crushed red pepper, or Hungarian paprika. If it's too spicy add a little brown sugar and some sweet paprika.

Is chili better the longer it cooks? ›

A low and slow cook time—at least an hour total—is key for drawing out the most flavor in a pot of chili. Yes, a quick chili is most welcome on weeknights, but it won't have quite the same results. A slow cooker works wonders, but if you're short on time, try a pressure cooker.

What secret ingredient will deepen the flavor of your chili? ›

Stir some puréed pumpkin into your chili just after sautéing your aromatics (onions, garlic, etc...) and before adding any liquid. This will deepen and sweeten its flavor, making it a great balance for all the chile peppers and heat.

What adds the most flavor to chili? ›

Here are some of the most common (and most effective) flavor boosters to add to your chili recipe.
  • Booze (Beer, Wine, or Liquor) ...
  • Liquid Smoke. ...
  • Brine or Vinegar. ...
  • Soy Sauce. ...
  • Fish Sauce. ...
  • Worcestershire Sauce. ...
  • Coffee or Espresso Powder. ...
  • Chocolate.
Aug 23, 2021

What is the best thickener for chili? ›

Cornmeal is one of our go-to thickening agents for chili. Unlike all-purpose flour, this Southern pantry staple adds a subtle earthy flavor to the chili in addition to thickening it up. You can use white or yellow cornmeal that is fine to medium-grain.

How do you make can chili taste better? ›

"Adding fresh ingredients — like diced onions, cilantro, and jalapenos — will take any canned chili to another level," Dunleavy said. "The fresh burst of flavor will brighten and elevate the chili while also adding great texture and crunch."

What does adding sugar to chili do? ›

Sugar is used to cut the acidity of the tomatoes used in my homemade chili recipe. Using a small amount of sugar balances the flavors which in turn creates a smoother and richer taste overall.

What gives chili its kick? ›

Canned tomatoes with green chiles, chili powder, ground black pepper and cayenne all add varying amounts of heat to the chili. If you want to really turn things up, use hot chili powder and the full amount of cayenne pepper. Also, make sure your spices are fresh.

What liquid to add to chili? ›

Chili cooks low and slow, so you need enough liquid to tenderize the meat and keep everything from drying out. That liquid should also add flavor to the chili, so use chicken, beef, or vegetable stock, or beer.

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