Chili is the quintessential comfort food for chilly nights. Rich, satisfying and infinitely adaptable, this savory sensation has earned its place in the hearts (and stomachs) of people everywhere.
The dish is also a crowd pleaser thanks to the endless customized toppings you can offer. Here’s some inspo to get you started:
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Diced onions
- Salsa
- Crushed tortilla chips or crackers
- Chives or scallions
- Chopped bacon
- Grilled chorizo
- Diced bell peppers
- Sliced avocado
- Roasted or grilled vegetables
- Grilled or sautéed mushrooms
- Fresh cilantro
But that’s not all. You can get creative with your chili recipes themselves. Check out these options featuring both timeless favorites and fresh interpretations to inspire your next culinary adventure.
EASY CHILI RECIPE
We had you at “easy,” didn’t we? This presentation is truly as streamlined as it gets—lean ground beef, combined with one can each of diced tomatoes and kidney beans, then zested up with a package of McCormick® Chili Seasoning Mix. Not only does this recipe boast a short ingredient list, but it has an equally brief cooking time—a mere 10 minutes once you’ve browned the meat.
WHITE BEAN CHICKEN CHILI
And now for the “polar” opposite of traditional chili, we step into the lighter (whiter!) side of chili. This robust option comes together with your favorite white meat and white beans, enhanced with McCormick White Chicken Chili Seasoning Mix. Keep the theme going by garnishing your white chicken chili with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of white cheese (try white cheddar, mozzarella or Monterey Jack) or add a colorful contrast with vibrant avocado and tomato.
CHICKEN CHILI WITH SWEET POTATO
Another white chicken chili, this wholesome dish is a delicious twist on the classic, featuring tender chunks of sweet potato, succulent chicken and fresh onion and red bell pepper, all wrapped in a spicy, savory broth that's perfect for chilly nights. This recipe is particularly high in fiber, antioxidants and Vitamin A, thanks to the healthy and tasty combo of sweet potatoes and peppers.
CINCINNATI CHILI RECIPE
If you don’t know beans about chili, you might not realize the nuances of the vast numbers of regional chili types. Like this version, which is served over…spaghetti, Yes, this unique chili recipe was developed by Macedonian immigrants who wanted to retain Mediterranean influences so they served this meaty concoction over the only type of noodles available. The homeland influences also extend to the spices used in the sauce, which include McCormick Chili Powder as one might expect, combined with the unconventional and delightful combination of sugar, McCormick Ground Cinnamon and McCormick Garlic Powder.
EASY CHILI PIZZA
One more Italian-inspired take, this pizza boosts creative toppings to a new level, with spicy chili adding a bold texture unlike any you’ve had before. This super-easy meal comes together with a prepared pizza crust, shredded mozz and leftover chili if you have it. Or, chef up a quick batch just for this hearty recipe.
CONEY CHILI HOT DOGS
This chili variety takes us to the great New York City area for this ballpark classic. The MVP of the recipe is the chili — a concoction of ground beef and tomato sauce, combined with McCormick Original Chili Seasoning Mix, and further spruced up with stadium faves French's Classic Yellow Mustard and chopped white onions. If you’ve been looking for leftover chili recipes, this could be your new go-to.
SOUTHWESTERN CHILI TORTILLA BAKE
And for our final regional delivery, we journey to the southwest, with this layered tortilla casserole that features all the best regional ingredients — diced tomatoes, corn, chopped green chilies, tortillas and shredded cheese, punctuated with the spiciness of McCormick Tex-Mex Chili Seasoning Mix. Assemble the layers in a casserole (you can even do this in the morning) and then pop it in the oven for a short 30 minutes to provide a warming meal that’s the perfect remedy against frost and gusts.
BUFFALO CHICKEN CHILI
This homemade chili recipe is a fiery twist on the traditional, blending ground chicken, crunchy celery and sweet carrots with beans and diced tomatoes, then adding the punch of Frank's RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce. Blue cheese crumbles are the ultimate finishing touch.
CHILI CORNBREAD SKILLET
Why settle for crunchy cornbread on the side when you can mix it right into your chili in this one-skillet wonder? You’ll love the simplicity of this homemade chili recipe: By using McCormick Chili Seasoning Mix and boxed corn muffin mix, you can wrap your family in the warmth of this inviting entree with very little work. While the chili simmers on the stove, you’ll whip up the cornbread mix, spoon it onto the mixture and heat for a final 10 to 15 minutes.
LOOKING FOR MORE INTERPRETATIONS OF THIS SOUL-WARMING STAPLE? CHECK OUT THESE FOUR OTHER CHILI RECIPES SURE TO HIT THE SPOT.
