What’s the Difference Between Soup, Stew and Chili?
Updated: Apr. 07, 2020
Stew vs. soup vs. chili: Do you know the difference between these three?
When I’m craving something comforting, there’s nothing better than a big ol’ bowl of soup, stew or chili. Warm, hearty and easy to throw together, cozying up with one of these dishes is just so satisfying. And while I rely on these meals throughout the colder months, I didn’t really understand the difference between the three. So, I rolled up my sleeves and learned the real difference between soup, stew and chili.
Check out these soup, stew and chili recipes for all your creature comforts.
What’s the difference between soup and stew?
The main difference between soup and stews is the amount of liquid they contain. While soups contain enough cooking liquid to fill a bowl and allow its ingredients to float, stews contain just a bit cooking liquid to simmer the other ingredients.
Is chili different from soup and stew?
Kind of! Chili is considered a type of stew because of its low liquid content and is usually made with chilis or chili powder.
What is soup?
Soup, loosely, is a liquid-based dish where ingredients like vegetables, meats or legumes (or any combination of the three) are boiled in water, stock or broth to meld and enhance the dish’s favors. There are many types of soups, from creamy chowder to pureed butternut squash, but the main characteristic of soup is that there’s a lot of liquid. You know you have soup if it has to be eaten with a spoon and served in a bowl or cup. Or a homemade bread bowl.
Speaking of types of soup, browse our favorite soup recipes, including brothy soups, bisques, chowders, cream of chicken soup and more.
Cauliflower SoupThis cheesy recipe is way tastier than any other cauliflower soup I've tried! We like it with hot pepper sauce for a little extra kick. —Debbie Ohlhausen, Chilliwack, British Columbia
Stuffed Pepper SoupI was talking about stuffed peppers with the other cooks at the restaurant where I work. We decided to mix similar ingredients for a soup. Customer response was overwhelming! —Krista Muddiman, Meadville, Pennsylvania
Cheesy Ham ChowderMy five children all agree that this soothing recipe is wonderful. The soup is full of potatoes, carrots and ham. The best part is that I can get it on the table in only a half hour of hands-on time. —Jennifer Trenhaile, Emerson, Nebraska
Simple Taco SoupWe first sampled this chili-like taco soup recipe at a church dinner. What a warming dish for a cold day. And because it uses packaged seasonings with several cans of vegetables, it's a snap to prepare. —Glenda Taylor, Sand Springs, Oklahoma
Best Ever Potato SoupYou'll be surprised at the taste of this rich and cheesy easy potato soup. It really is the best potato soup recipe, ever. I came up with it after enjoying baked potato soup at one of our favorite restaurants. I added bacon, and we think that makes it even better. —Coleen Morrissey, Sweet Valley, Pennsylvania
Best Lasagna SoupAll the traditional flavors of lasagna come together in this heartwarming bowl of comfort. —Sheryl Olenick, Demarest, New Jersey
There are plenty of delicious pasta soup recipes out there—like this viral lasagna soup one.
Comforting Chicken Noodle SoupA good friend made us this rich, comforting soup after the birth of our son. It was such a help to have dinner taken care of until I was back on my feet. This yummy dish is so simple to fix that now I give a pot of it (along with the recipe) to other new mothers. —Joanna Sargent, Sandy, Utah
The Ultimate Chicken Noodle SoupMy first Wisconsin winter was so cold, all I wanted to eat was homemade chicken noodle soup. Of all the chicken noodle soup recipes out there, this type of soup is my favorite and is in heavy rotation from November to April. It has many incredibly devoted fans.—Gina Nistico, Denver, Colorado
Contest-Winning Hearty Hamburger SoupAt family get-togethers, our children always request this spirit-warming ground beef soup along with a fresh loaf of homemade bread and tall glasses of milk. This hamburger soup has robust flavor, plenty of fresh-tasting vegetables and is easy to make. —Barbara Brown, Janesville, Wisconsin
Hearty Split Pea SoupFor a different spin on traditional pea soup, try this split pea soup recipe with corned beef. The flavor is peppery rather than smoky, and a tasty change of pace. —Barbara Link, Alta Loma, California
Spicy Cheeseburger SoupThis creamy and spicy cheeseburger soup brings my family to the table in a hurry. I love the warming zip of cayenne, but it also tastes terrific without it if you like milder flavor. With a few simple side dishes, this soup is a full meal.
Grandma's Chicken 'n' Dumpling SoupI've enjoyed making this rich homemade chicken dumpling soup recipe for more than 40 years. Every time I serve it, I remember my southern grandma, who was very special to me and was known as an outstanding cook. —Paulette Balda, Prophetstown, Illinois
Cream of Wild Rice SoupTender cubes of chicken, fresh vegetables and wild rice make this soup hearty enough for a meal. You can't beat the down-home comfort of a warm bowlful. I like to serve it with whole wheat rolls. —J. Beatrice Hintz, Neenah, Wisconsin
Spicy Potato SoupMy sister-in-law, who is from Mexico, passed along this wonderful recipe. Since she prefers her foods much spicier than we do, I reduced the amount of pepper sauce, but you can add more if you prefer a bigger kick. —Audrey Wall, Industry, Pennsylvania
Chicken Potpie SoupMy grandmother hand-wrote a cookbook. She included this amazing pie crust, and I added this delicious chicken potpie soup for it. —Karen LeMay, Seabrook, Texas
Creamy Chicken Rice SoupI came up with this creamy chicken rice soup recipe while making some adjustments to a favorite stovetop chicken casserole. We like this soup for lunch with a crisp roll and fresh fruit. —Janice Mitchell, Aurora, Colorado
Classic French Onion SoupEnjoy my signature French onion soup the way my granddaughter Becky does: I make onion soup for her in a crock bowl, complete with garlic croutons and gobs of melted Swiss cheese on top. —Lou Sansevero, Ferron, Utah
Curly Noodle Chicken SoupI created this recipe to serve at a dinner I hosted for a group of friends. The main course was Italian, and I needed a good soup, so I converted a favorite tortilla soup recipe by substituting pasta and adding different seasonings. —Maxine Pierson, San Ramon, California
Potato ChowderOne of the ladies in our church quilting group brought this savory potato soup to a meeting, and everyone loved how the cream cheese and bacon made it so rich. It's easy to assemble in the morning so it can simmer on its own all day. —Anna Mayer, Fort Branch, Indiana
Pasta Fagioli SoupMy husband enjoys my version of this dish so much that he doesn’t order it at restaurants anymore. With fresh spinach, pasta and seasoned sausage, this fast-to-fix soup is a meal on its own. —Brenda Thomas, Springfield, Missouri
Broccoli Cheddar SoupMy husband and I love this cheesy dish. It is proof that soup doesn't need to be made in big batches to be good. —Cheryl McRae, West Valley, Utah
Hearty Butternut Squash SoupThe comforting combination of squash, meat, beans and veggies makes this my go-to soup in fall. It's full of freshness. —Jaye Beeler, Grand Rapids, Michigan
No-Fuss Potato SoupFor a busy-day supper, my family loves to have big steaming, delicious bowls of this soup, along with fresh bread from our bread machine. —Dotty Egge, Pelican Rapids, Minnesota
Cheddar Ham SoupI knew this ham soup recipe was a keeper when my mother-in-law asked for it! The hearty soup—chock-full of ham, veggies and cheese—is creamy and comforting. And even though the recipe makes enough to feed a crowd, don’t expect it to last more than one meal! —Marty Matthews, Clarksville, Tennessee
Beef Barley Lentil SoupI serve this soup often to family and friends on cold nights, along with homemade rolls and a green salad. For variety, you can substitute jicama for the potatoes. —Judy Metzentine, The Dalles, Oregon
Southwestern Chicken Tortilla SoupThe spices really liven up this filling chicken tortilla soup. I often double the recipe, freezing leftovers for future dinners or quick lunches. —Anne Smithson, Cary, North Carolina
Priscilla's Vegetable ChowderThis is the perfect soup to warm up with on a cold fall or winter day. Serve it in a bread bowl to make it extra special. —Rhodes Bake-N-Serv, Jenna Jackson, Salt Lake City, Utah
Best Broccoli SoupHere's a creamy, comforting broccoli soup. It's a delicious way to eat your vegetables. —Carolyn Weinberg, Custer, Montana
Cheesy Chicken ChowderI like to serve this hearty chowder as a meal with garlic bread and a salad. It's a wonderful dish to prepare for any occasion. The rich, mild flavor and the tender chicken and vegetables appeal even to children and picky eaters. —Hazel Fritchie, Palestine, Illinois
Sausage Bean SoupYou’re moments away from a flavor-packed soup that keeps you warm on even the chilliest nights. It's just the kind of recipe we Minnesotans love. —Marlene Muckenhirn, Delano, Minnesota
Shrimp ChowderI simmer my rich and creamy shrimp soup in the slow cooker. Because the chowder is ready in less than four hours, it can be prepared in the afternoon and served to dinner guests that night. —Will Zunio, Gretna, Louisiana
Hearty Navy Bean SoupMy family loves navy bean soup! Beans were a commodity you did not survive without in the '30s. This excellent navy beans and ham soup is a real family favorite of ours and I make it often. —Mildred Lewis, Temple, Texas
Bacon-Cheeseburger ChowderThe taste of a good bacon cheeseburger is hard to beat until you try this cheeseburger chowder! It's hearty, convenient and family-friendly. —Kristin Stone, Little Elm, Texas
Seafood CioppinoIf you're looking for a great seafood recipe for your slow cooker, this classic fish stew is just the ticket. It's brimming with clams, crab, fish and shrimp, and it is fancy enough to be an elegant meal. —Lisa Moriarty, Wilton, New Hampshire
Contest-Winning New England Clam ChowderThis is the best New England clam chowder recipe, ever! In the Pacific Northwest, we dig our own razor clams and I grind them for the chowder. Since these aren't readily available, the canned clams are perfectly acceptable. —Sandy Larson, Port Angeles, Washington
Hearty Vegetable SoupA friend gave me the idea to use V8 juice in vegetable soup because it provides more flavor. My best vegetable soup recipe is perfect to prepare on a crisp autumn afternoon. —Janice Steinmetz, Somers, Connecticut
Cheddar Potato ChowderI only made this soup occasionally because the original recipe was quite high in fat. I doctored it up a bit, using healthier ingredients, and now we eat this rich flavorful chowder more often.—Ellie Rausch of Goodsoil, Saskatchewan
Christina's Italian Wedding SoupI'm big on soups with tiny meatballs and pasta. I double the meatballs, poach them in the broth, remove half and freeze them for another time. —Christina Hitchcock, Madison Township, Pennsylvania
Cheeseburger Broccoli ChowderI invented this soup accidentally! Actually, it came about when I was new to cooking, and didn't know that "chowder" was a kind of soup—so I made mashed potatoes to go with the dish I was making. We ended up dunking our mashed potatoes into the soup as "gravy"—and it was delicious!—Karen Davies, Wanipigow, Manitoba
Slow-Cooked Beef Vegetable SoupConvenient frozen veggies and hash browns make this meaty soup a snap to make. Simply brown the ground beef, then stir everything together to simmer all day. It's wonderful served with bread and a salad. —Carol Calhoun, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Bacon-Potato Corn ChowderI was raised on a farm, so a warm soup with homey ingredients, like this corn chowder with bacon, was always a treat after a chilly day outside. My hearty chowder nourishes the family. —Katie Lillo, Big Lake, Minnesota
Mushroom Barley SoupA few years ago, a friend at work shared the recipe for this wonderful soup. With beef, barley and vegetables, it's hearty enough to be a meal. A big steaming bowl with a slice of crusty bread is so satisfying on a cold day. —Lynn Thomas, London, Ontario
Healthy Chicken Dumpling SoupMy husband was fooled with this low-fat recipe and I'm sure your family will be, too! A savory broth, hearty chicken and rich dumplings all add up to comforting flavor. —Brenda White of Morrison, Illinois
Big Batch Cheeseburger SoupWhen my mother-in-law gave me her recipe for cheeseburger soup, I changed it a little to make it my own. It's the perfect comfort food to enjoy on a cold winter evening. —Christina Addison, Blanchester, Ohio
Cream Cheese Chicken SoupAfter tasting a similar soup in a restaurant, I went home and cooked up my own version. It's so soothing on a winter evening served with crusty French bread. For a change of pace, try substituting ham or turkey for the chicken. —Kathleen Rappleye, Mesa, Arizona
Turkey Wild Rice SoupTwo Minnesota delicacies, turkey and wild rice, are the stars of this sensational soup. Be prepared to serve seconds! —Terri Holmgren, Swanville, Minnesota
Bart’s Black Bean SoupThis soup is ready in minutes. We enjoy it with Herbed Dinner Rolls. Add a salad for a complete meal that's really tasty! —Sharon Ullyot, London, Ontario
Favorite Baked Potato SoupMy husband and I enjoyed a delicious baked potato soup at a restaurant while on vacation and I came home determined to duplicate the flavor. It took me five years to get the taste right! —Joann Goetz, Genoa, Ohio
Mexican Shrimp BisqueI enjoy both Cajun and Mexican cuisines, and this rich, elegant soup combines the best of both. I serve it with a crispy green salad and a glass of white wine for a simple but very special meal. —Karen Harris, Littleton, Colorado
Hearty Potato SoupHaving grown up on a dairy farm in Holland, I love our country life here in Idaho's "potato country." My favorite recipe for potato soup originally called for heavy cream and bacon fat, but I've trimmed down the recipe. —Gladys DeBoer, Castleford, Idaho
What is stew?
Stew is a dish where larger pieces of meat and vegetables are partially covered, but not floating, in a cooking liquid and then simmered until the ingredients are tender and the liquid has thickened. The cooking liquid can be broth or stock, like a soup, or something richer like wine, beer or tomato juice. And, while most stews include chunks of meat, it can be vegetarian, too. This slow-cooked lentil stew is a great example.
A lot of stews are served with a starchy side like mashed potatoes, noodles, polenta or rice, but you can certainly eat it on its own.
Slowly simmer any of these stew recipes for dinner tonight.
Traditional Lamb StewWhen you're in the mood for a classic meat-and-potatoes recipe, this is the stew to make. If you can find it, look for lamb shoulder for this recipe. It becomes very tender when braised, taking this stew to the next level.
Southern Okra Bean StewOne of our favorite vegetarian stew recipes becomes rich and thick with the addition of okra. This vegetable has a reputation for being quite slimy, but acidity from the tomatoes tempers its weird texture. If you anticipate making leftovers, keep the rice on the side to preserve the stew's texture upon reheating.
Pork and Hominy StewIn the southwestern U.S., this stew is called posole or pozole for the Nahuatl word for "foam" (referring to the shape of the corn as it cooks). Hominy looks like corn, but it's bigger with a chewier texture. The stew is rich and savory, and it achieves the perfect flavor when garnished with avocado and lime.
Moroccan Vegetable StewThis stew is loved by vegetarians and omnivores alike! It's impossible to miss all the incredible flavors: buttery chickpeas, sweet butternut squash, creamy potatoes, acidic tomatoes and rich zucchini. Serve this stew with a side of pita bread and finish it with a dollop of yogurt.
Skillet Chicken StewWe don't always have time to spend all day cooking, so we love having stew recipes like this one in our back pocket. It's amazing how much flavor can come from so few ingredients! Dredging the chicken in flour before it's cooked is a great shortcut to thickening the stew without making a roux.
Squash and Lentil Lamb StewThere's nothing traditional about this recipe, but the ingredients come together to create an exotic dish that's fun and enticing. The savory lamb, sweet squash and grassy spinach are perfectly balanced by the sauce (a combination of coconut milk, peanut butter, red curry paste and hoisin sauce). Finish it off with a squeeze of fresh lime, and you'll find yourself craving this stew on the regular!
Cabbage Roll StewWe love cabbage rolls, but they can be a lot of work. This stew recipe achieves the same flavorful results with a fraction of the work! Instead of using just ground beef, swap in 1/2 pound of Italian sausage to amp up the flavor. To get the full cabbage roll effect, serve this stew over rice.
Tuscan Portobello StewThe beans and vegetables are the stars of this vegan stew, but you won't notice anyone complaining—it tastes that good! Our recipe uses chopped fresh kale, but feel free to substitute your favorite leafty green, like spinach or Swiss chard. The stew is naturally gluten-free, but it tastes great with a side of crusty bread if allergens aren't a concern.
Turkey Biscuit StewNeed to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey? Make this warming stew recipe! The recipe calls for baking biscuits on top of the stew to create a flaky topping, but you can bake them on the side if you're making the stew in advance.
Spicy Seafood StewIf you like things spicy, this stew recipe is for you! The soup base is made in the slow cooker using jarred pasta sauce and cayenne pepper to kick up the heat. When you're almost ready to serve, add the shrimp and scallops—they should be cooked through in about 15 to 20 minutes.
Great Northern Bean StewThis recipe cuts down on the cooking time by using bulk pork sausage, and the flavors come together in less than an hour. The type of sausage you purchase will affect how the dish eats: Regular pork sausage brings a rich, porky flavor while hot Italian sausage will give the stew a spicy bite.
Turkey Cabbage StewMove over, ground beef. There's a new star in town! This ground turkey stew combines lean meat with chopped cabbage, tomatoes and spices to create a bowl that's both delicious and easy to make. You can freeze any leftovers for later, but you'll want to add a little liquid when reheating to get the right texture.
Pressure-Cooker Beef StewCompared to the slow cooker, an electric pressure cooker makes quick work of transforming a boneless beef chuck roast into a pile of tender shredded beef. After pressure-cooking on high for 40 minutes, let the pressure release naturally while you chop the vegetables. While the roast is resting, the stew will finish cooking in only 8 minutes.
Venison StewWhile most people think of deer when they hear venison, the term technically refers to any game meat—from elk to antelope to wild boar. If you don't have a hunter in your life, seek out venison stew meat at your local butcher shop.
Apple Chicken StewThis stew is perfect for crisp fall days when the leaves have turned colors and orchards harvest apples at a breakneck pace. It contains apple cider in the broth for a deep apple flavor, and cubes of tart apple (like Granny Smith) to infuse the fruit into every bite.
What is chili?
Traditional chili is a type of spicy stew that typically contains ground meat and chili powder, plus beans and tomato. There’s a ton of variation when it comes to chili, but you can tell it apart from other stews by its heavy use of fresh chilis and/or chili powder—like this authentic chili con carne, for example.
When we say chili has a lot of variation, we mean it. Chili can be made with pretty much any meat (or made vegetarian), with or without beans, be tomato- or broth-based, stuffed with veggies or made with pretty much just meat. Don’t believe us? Take a look at our ultimate chili recipes and see the difference for yourself.
Beef Brisket ChiliMy 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
Chorizo ChiliI modified a bean soup recipe and came up with this wonderful chili. I make it mild for my family but add Tabasco sauce to spice up my bowl. —Jenne Delkus, Des Peres, Missouri
Hoosier ChiliThis chili is a little sweeter than other recipes I've tasted, but I like it that way. It reminds me of the chili my mom used to make. —Jeanne Boberg, Muncie, Indiana
Vegetarian ChiliVegetarian skillet chili screams comfort food to me. This recipe makes me feel warm and fuzzy, and it's loved by both my vegetarian and non-vegetarian friends. —Casey Hill, London, United Kingdom
Pressure-Cooker Spanish ChiliI like to prepare this Spanish chili on the weekend so I have an instant weeknight dinner on hand. I've come to love my pressure cooker because it makes mealtime a breeze. —Lynn Faria, Meriden, Connecticut
Spicy Meatless ChiliBefore I retired, this recipe was a mainstay in our house. I could prepare the ingredients the night before, and then on the way out the door in the morning I could throw everything in the slow cooker. When I got home later, I prepped the toppings and supper was done. —Jane McMillan, Dania Beach, Florida
Tex-Mex ChiliNeed to satisfy big, hearty appetites? Look no further than this Tex-Mex recipe with beef stew meat, plenty of beans and tasty spices. —Eric Hayes, Antioch, California
Buffalo Chicken ChiliThis Buffalo chicken chili is rich in the best way. The cream cheese, blue cheese and tangy hot sauce join forces for a dinner recipe everyone will love. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
Contest-Winning Vegetarian ChiliMy husband and I love vegetarian Dutch oven recipes—and this vegetarian chili is one of our favorites. It makes a huge pot that's chock-full of color and flavor. And once the chopping is done, it's quick to cook. —Marilyn Barilleaux, Bothell, Washington
Quick and Easy ChiliThis quick and easy chili recipe can be made in a flash and easily doubled or tripled to satisfy any famished family. You don't have to wait until the weekend to throw it together. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Pressure-Cooker Chicken and Bacon White ChiliI made a twist on my favorite white chicken chili and used my pressure cooker, which made it very quick and easy. I like to serve it with avocado, cilantro and onions. —Teri Lee Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Sweet Potato Chili with TurkeyThis sweet potato chili is packed with flavor. Ground turkey lightens it, and sweet potato puree sneaks in a healthy dose of vitamin A. —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia
Beefy Sweet Potato ChiliThere's no better way to warm up than with a bowl of this chili. We created this recipe with friends when we lived in Seattle, where cold and rainy days are plentiful. Sweet potatoes are the secret ingredient, but even if you leave them out, you'll still have a tasty basic chili. —Jonell Tempero, Omaha, Nebraska
Meaty Mushroom ChiliSince our two daughters did not like beans in their chili, I adapted a recipe to suit our whole family's tastes. We all agree that mushrooms are an appealing alternative and go very well with the ground beef and sausage.
—Marjol Burr
Catawba, Ohio
Spicy Meatless ChiliBefore I retired, this recipe was a mainstay in our house. I could prepare the ingredients the night before, and then on the way out the door in the morning I could throw everything in the slow cooker. When I got home later, I prepped the toppings and supper was done. —Jane McMillan, Dania Beach, Florida
Slow-Cooker Quinoa ChiliThis recipe turned my husband into a quinoa lover. I made it the day he got good news on a new job, and we'll always remember how excited we were as we ate this beautiful meal. —Claire Gallam, Alexandria, Virginia
Beef Taco ChiliThis is one of my husband's absolute favorite dishes. It was voted best chili at our county's autumn harvest festival. If you like less broth, use just 1-3/4 cups water and 1-1/2 tsp. bouillon. —Dana Beery, Ione, Washington
Baked Bean ChiliWho says a good chili has to simmer all day? This zippy chili—with a touch of sweetness—can be made on the spur of the moment. It's an excellent standby for unexpected guests. Served with bread and a salad. It's a hearty dinner everyone raves about. — Nancy Wall, Bakersfield, California
Bonnie's ChiliThis chili is incredibly easy to make, and has a surprising depth of flavor for something that comes together in no time before the slow cooker takes over the work. I can make this for people who like it hot or mild just by changing the salsa. You can make it really spicy if you add hot peppers and hot salsa. —Bonnie Altig, North Pole, Alaska
Effortless Black Bean ChiliMy mom found the inspiration for this chili in a slow-cooker cookbook. After a few updates, all of us love it (even those of us who steer clear of beans). We think it's even better served over rice. —Amelia Gormley, Ephrata, Pennsylvania
Turkey White ChiliGrowing up in a Pennsylvania Dutch area, I was surrounded by excellent cooks and wonderful foods. I enjoy experimenting with new recipes like this change-of-pace chili. —Kaye Whiteman, Charleston, West Virginia
Beef and Lentil ChiliLentils 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
Black Bean, Chorizo & Sweet Potato ChiliChili is one of my all-time favorite dishes. This recipe takes chili to the next level by changing up the flavors and adding a surprise--sweet potatoes. —Julie Merriman, Cold Brook, New York
Creamy White ChiliYears ago, as a time-starved college student, I got this wonderful recipe from my sister-in-law. She had made a big batch and served it to a crowd one night. It was a hit—and easy and quick. In all my years of cooking, I’ve never had another dish get so many compliments. —Laura Brewer, Lafayette, Indiana
Turkey Chili with PenneThis 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
Hearty Vegetarian ChiliRich and flavorful, this chili is absolutely packed with fun veggies like mushrooms, beans and sun-dried tomatoes. It's so filling, you'll win over any meat lover. —Pam Ivbuls, Omaha, Nebraska
Smoky Peanut Butter ChiliI eliminated beans from my standard chili recipe and added peanut butter and peanuts just for fun. Wow, was it amazing! I tried it on my family and everyone loved it. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Spicy Touchdown ChiliFor me, football, cool weather and chili just seem to go together. Whether I’m cheering on the local team on a Friday night or enjoying a Saturday afternoon of Oklahoma Sooner football with some friends, I enjoy serving this chili on game day. —Chris Neal, Quapaw, Oklahoma
Chicken Chili with Black BeansBecause it looks different than traditional chili, my family was a little hesitant to try this dish at first. Thanks to the full, hearty flavor, it's become a real favorite around our house. I like to serve it with warm cornbread. —Jeanette Urbom, Louisburg, Kansas
Chili for a CrowdThis chili for a crowd was handed down to me by my aunt, who said she got it from a "grizzled Montana mountain man." I added some zesty ingredients to come up with the final version. Hot food is something that my husband's family isn't accustomed to, so I adjust the spices for them. In fact, with a few simple alterations to the "heat" index, I can serve this chili to anyone. —Lisa Humphreys, Wasilla, Alaska
Barbecued Beef ChiliServed with a hot loaf of bread and a side salad, this slow-cooker chili makes a hearty meal. The recipe was inspired by two friends when we were talking about food at a potluck barbecue. —Phyllis Shyan, Elgin, Illinois
Healthy Turkey ChiliI've taken my mother's healthy turkey chili recipe and made it thicker and more robust. It's a favorite, especially in fall and winter. —Celesta Zanger, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Firehouse ChiliAs one of the cooks at the firehouse, I used to prepare meals for 10 men. This firehouse chili recipe was among their favorites. —Richard Clements, San Dimas, California
Slow-Cooker Spicy Pork ChiliTender pork adds extra heartiness to this slow-cooked chili. You can use pork tenderloin, boneless pork roast or boneless pork chops for the pork called for in the recipe. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Marty's Bean Burger ChiliMy husband and I met while working the dinner shift at a homeless shelter that served my chili. I’ve revised the chili using bean veggie burgers. —Marty Nickerson, Ellington, Connecticut
Originally Published: April 07, 2020
