Hearty and flavorful, chili is my go-to recipe when the weather turns cooler. Serve with a side of cornbread and you have a comforting dish. Plus, it makes the house smell amazing while it simmers. You’ll notice a trend with these chili recipes… they’re fast, easy and very tasty!
“This is my recipe I put together when my kids were little because it is fast and easy,” shares Michelle Cater (Paradise, TX). “I named it Lulu’s Chili after my daughter.”
Michelle’s chili is hearty, dense and delicious. Michelle gives the option of using Ranch Style beans or chili beans. I used Ranch beans and recommend those – it adds another layer of Southwestern flavors. From the stewed tomatoes to the corn, there are lots of different textures in this sensational dish.
“My husband enjoys this chili because it’s quick and easy to make,” says Sheila Hinds (Turlock, CA) of her Steak Chili with Tomatoes. “This recipe is changeable from steak to ground beef… how convenient is that?”
It’s very convenient in my mind. If ground beef is on sale at your market, then pick that up and prepare this delicious chili. I did use stew meat and liked the different texture that it lent to this chili. The seasoning blend is filled with onion, garlic, salt and pepper and, combined with the chili powder, are perfect spices for this recipe.
Another shortcut chili recipe is Darci Bos’ (Lebanon, TN) Three Amigo’s Chili. It earned Darci a spot at the World Food Championships and it’s delicious.
“This chili is by far the best I have ever had,” exclaims Darci. “It’s unique in the fact that it has three meats, three veggies and three beans.” Darci’s mix of meats, veggies and beans is spot on. In fact, Cinna Peterson (Cabbot, AR) made this for a church chili cook-off and it won first place. It’s super simple and great for a cool night. A definite winner.
Debbie Wright’s (Sulphur, LA) Warm Ya Up Chili is a terrific spin on this classic comfort food. We thought we may miss the heartiness that beans bring – this recipe calls for none – but it is wonderfully robust and filling.
“This will warm you up on a cold day,” shares Debbie. “I don’t put beans in mine because my kids like it on all kinds of stuff and it’s not always good with beans.”
This is great in a bowl, topped with cheese and onions and served with a slice of cornbread. But would also make an amazing topping for hot dogs or french fries. So good!
Have vegetarians in the house and looking for a meatless chili? Try Irana Brookshire’s (Las Cruces, NM) Black and White Bean Chili. This chili is hearty AND healthy… a wonderful way to warm yourself through and through.
This is a terrific vegetarian dish – one where you’ll never even miss the meat. Rick Pottorf (Ozawkie, KS) made this and thought it was a “real good meatless chili with the flavor from the fresh onion and peppers.” He went on to say, “I have always used meat in chili, but not this time – very tasty.”
Beans, no beans, turkey, beefy, or vegetarian, there are so many ways to cook chili. I can’t get enough of it. Side note, with the football season headed to the big finale, it’s a great option if you’re having a game day party. Get in the kitchen and see what creative recipe you can come up with. Happy Pinching!