Chili is a cold-weather staple because it's hearty, warming and incredibly versatile. From unexpected spices to a splash of liquor, here are the secret ingredients home cooks are using to take their chili to the next level.
18 Things That Will Make Your Chili SO Much Better
Updated on May 31, 2024
1/18
Sprinkle in Cumin
Total Time
1 hour 40 min
Servings
8 servings (3-1/2 qt.)
From the Recipe Creator:
My dad and father-in-law are the gurus in our chili-loving clan. But after my honeymoon to New Mexico, where I was inspired by the fresh and fragrant chile peppers at the Santa Fe farmers market, I felt it was time to introduce them to my spicy, meaty version with a touch of masa harina, dubbed the best chili recipe. —Sarah Farmer, Taste Recipes Culinary Director
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 473 calories, 20g fat (6g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 1554mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 7g fiber), 41g protein.
2/18
Open a Bottle of Beer
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
10 servings (about 3-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
A cup of chili is always a pleasant way to warm up on a cold day. This one has a combination of budget-friendly chuck steak and brats in a spicy broth. I like to serve it with a dollop of sour cream. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups (calculated without sour cream): 431 calories, 21g fat (7g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1317mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 8g fiber), 23g protein.
3/18
Sweeten It with Honey
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This turkey chili easily turns into a vegetarian dish by leaving out the meat or replacing it with soy crumbles. A topping of goat cheese makes this full-flavored chili stand out from others. —Patricia Burk, North Canton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup chili with 1/2 cup pasta and 1 slice cheese: 343 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 642mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 9g fiber), 27g protein.
4/18
Layer Flavor with Marsala Wine
Total Time
4 hours 30 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a healthy and filling meal that even the kids love! The satisfying chili is great for football games or potluck dinners. —Katti Scott, Manteo, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 252 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 850mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 8g fiber), 24g protein.
5/18
Squeeze a Lime
Total Time
5 hours 35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love using my slow cooker for tasty soups like this one. Just fill it in the morning and come home later to a wonderful, warm meal—no matter how busy the day! —Connie Thomas, Jensen, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 250 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 532mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 12g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable.
6/18
Add Diced Apples
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
6 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Nothing says fall like chili and apples. I use smoked paprika to give this slightly sweet chili a smoky kick. —Joyce Moynihan, Lakeville, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 284 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 945mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 7g fiber), 21g protein.
7/18
Thicken Things with Cornmeal
Total Time
2 hours 40 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This full-flavored, medium-hot, Texas-style chili tastes even better the second day. —Michelle Smith, Running Springs, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 200 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 247mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 meat, 2 vegetable.
Give It a Shot of Bourbon
Looking to warm up this season? Add a splash of bourbon to your dish. Seriously! Food blogger Christine Carlson shared her tip for making a flavor-boosted chili that’ll send the winter doldrums packing. In addition, Carlson loads in soy chorizo, mushroom, kale and garam marsala. Check out more of her creations here.
8/18
9/18
Stir in Some Chocolate
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
2-1/2 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
Lentils were one of the crops on my dad's farm when we were growing up, and they're the best-kept secret in this delicious chili recipe. This dish is great for a large family meal and also freezes well. Everyone who asks for this recipe is amazed at how simple it is. —Cindy Agee, Lewiston, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 367 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 655mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 29g protein.
10/18
Splash in Some Vinegar
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings (1-1/2 quarts).
From the Recipe Creator:
Every time we have a gathering or company, folks request this. My husband convinced me to enter it in a local chili contest, and I won third place! It's quick and easy. If I don't have fresh garlic, I use minced garlic from a jar. —Carrie Birdsall, Dallas, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 315 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 644mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
11/18
Add Peanut Butter
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
While spending time in the Southwest, I discovered Mexican peanut chicken and thought it would be fun to make it into a chili. Chipotle peppers give it a nice spice that's extra warming on a cold day. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, CO
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups chili with 1 tablespoon sour cream: 368 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 797mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 6g fiber), 30g protein.
12/18
Give It a Pop of Turmeric
Total Time
40 min
Servings
10 servings (2-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Chili Time is any time you want to make a hungry crowd happy. This creamy chili is a must at my soup party every year. —Theresa Baehr, Williamsburg, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 317 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 1073mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 9g fiber), 24g protein.
13/18
Go Crazy with Quinoa
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
9 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This heart-healthy turkey quinoa chili is not only tasty, it's a vitamin and protein powerhouse! —Sharon Giljum, San Diego, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 264 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 514mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 9g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat.
14/18
Reach for a Can of Pumpkin
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My family is crazy about this slow cooker chili because it uses ingredients you don't usually find in chili. Believe it or not, I discovered that pumpkin is what makes the dish so special. Cook up a big batch and freeze some for later; it tastes even better reheated. —Deborah Vliet, Holland, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 192 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 658mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
15/18
Beef Brisket Chili
Total Time
3 hours 45 min
Servings
10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My son and I concocted this beef brisket chili for a chili cook-off at his work. He proudly came home with a first-place ribbon! —Marie Hattrup, Sonoma, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 404 calories, 19g fat (6g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 1309mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 32g protein.
16/18
Try Whole Hominy
Total Time
6 hours 25 min
Servings
8 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Hunker down for the night and get cozy with this filling chili. Loaded with beef chuck roast and convenient staples, such as diced tomatoes, green chiles and seasonings, it’s a satisfying supper that would be yummy served with a side of warm tortillas or tortilla chips for dipping. —Steve Westphal, Wind Lake, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups (calculated without optional ingredients): 401 calories, 20g fat (7g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 714mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 36g protein.
17/18
Crush Up Fennel Seed
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
6 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty and spicy stew is wonderful with fresh rolls and your favorite green salad. —Karen Gorman, Gunnison, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 325 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 646mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 9g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
18/18
Pour in a Cup of Joe
Total Time
7 hours 45 min
Servings
8 servings (2-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this recipe. Surprise ingredients like coffee and wine give it a rich, deep flavor that we balance by topping if off with avocado and green onion. Make a big batch and freeze any leftovers! —Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups (calculated without avocado): 360 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 1033mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 7g fiber), 21g protein.
Make sure to try some of these techniques out at your next chili cook-off!
