27 Hearty Chili Recipes That Skip The Ground Beef

Chili doesn’t have to mean ground beef. There are plenty of great options that bring just as much flavor and heartiness to the table without relying on the usual choice. From chicken and turkey to plant-based options and unexpected proteins like lamb or venison, these recipes show how versatile chili can be.

Brisket Chili

Got leftover brisket? This chili is the perfect way to transform it into a thick, hearty dish loaded with beans, peppers, and a rich tomato base. Forget ground beef—brisket brings the bold flavors and satisfying texture you didn’t know you needed.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Chili

Kabocha Squash Chili

Slow-cooked kabocha squash adds a subtly sweet and nutty flavor to this vegetarian chili. It’s hearty enough to fill you up and a great way to enjoy seasonal squash without needing any meat. Perfect for colder months when you want something cozy.
Get the Recipe: Kabocha Squash Chili

Chocolate Lamb Chili

Lamb and chocolate might sound like an odd combo, but this chili delivers big on flavor. With smoky spices and a mole-inspired richness, it’s one of those recipes you didn’t know you needed until now. Bold, hearty, and anything but boring.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Lamb Chili

Turkey Chili Pie

Turkey chili topped with cornbread is a match made in heaven. This one-skillet wonder is perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual get-togethers. It’s hearty, filling, and skips the ground beef without missing a beat.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili Pie

Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili

A creamy, slightly sweet chili made with chicken, white beans, apple, and cheddar. It’s a little outside the box but perfect for fall when you want chili with a seasonal twist. Great for those looking for something fresh and different.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili

Spicy Hummus Turkey Chili

Hummus in chili? It works. This creamy turkey chili brings the heat with just the right amount of spice, making it a perfect one-pot dinner for cold winter nights. A fun way to shake up your chili game.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Hummus Turkey Chili

Short Rib Chili

Braised short ribs add an incredible depth of flavor to this rich, porter-infused chili. Perfect for a weekend dinner or freezing for later, this dish proves that ground beef isn’t the only way to make a great chili.
Get the Recipe: Short Rib Chili

Buffalo Chicken Chili

This slow cooker chili takes everything you love about buffalo wings and turns it into a hearty meal. The bold kick of buffalo sauce, tender chicken, and creamy beans make it a perfect choice for game day or any night you need something comforting with a bit of heat. Grab some celery sticks if you’re feeling fancy, or just dive in with a spoon. Who needs ground beef when this has all the protein and flavor you could want?
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Chili

Turkey Chili

This no-nonsense turkey chili comes together fast with pantry staples like canned beans and tomatoes. It’s hearty enough to keep everyone full and simple enough to make on a busy weeknight. Forget ground beef—lean turkey gives this chili a fresh twist without losing the cozy chili vibes you’re after. Perfect for a quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili

White Chicken Chili

Skip the ground beef and bring out the pressure cooker for this creamy, protein-packed chili. Tender chicken breast, white beans, and a hint of spice come together in just 30 minutes. It’s like your favorite winter sweater in a bowl—comfortable, reliable, and exactly what you need on a cold night. Bonus: the leftovers are even better.
Get the Recipe: White Chicken Chili

Chicken Chili

This thick, hearty chili keeps it simple with shredded chicken, beans, and a tangy hit of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Made in an Instant Pot, it’s perfect for when you want a satisfying dinner without spending all night cooking. Who says chili needs ground beef when chicken can do the job just as well (if not better)?
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chili

Venison Chili

Step aside, ground beef—this venison chili is here to shake things up. Packed with beans, veggies, and a rich blend of spices, it’s a one-pot wonder that simmers into something amazing. Venison brings a gamey depth that sets it apart, while the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. Grab a bowl and let the flavors take over.
Get the Recipe: Venison Chili

Chicken Enchilada Chili

Why choose between enchiladas and chili when you can have both? This slow cooker recipe combines shredded chicken, beans, and enchilada sauce for a dish that’s easy to throw together and packed with flavor. It’s like your favorite Tex-Mex meal and a hearty chili had the perfect mash-up. Forget the ground beef—this is where the magic happens.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchilada Chili

Turkey Chili and Biscuits

Chili and biscuits? Yes, please. This one-pot dish combines hearty turkey chili with fluffy biscuits baked right on top. It’s the perfect pick for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or whenever you want something that looks fancy but takes minimal effort. Ground beef who? Turkey’s got this covered.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili and Biscuits

Three-Bean Chili

No meat? No problem. This three-bean chili brings together kidney, black, and pinto beans in a quick, flavor-packed recipe that’s ready in just 25 minutes. Perfect for weeknights when you want something hearty without too much work. Bonus points for being meatless but still satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Three-Bean Chili

Pulled Pork Chili with Cornbread Croutons

Pulled pork meets chili in this bold creation topped with crispy cornbread croutons. Smoky, savory, and downright fun to eat, it’s a meat-lover’s dream without a shred of ground beef in sight. Perfect for when you want chili to stand out from the crowd.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Chili with Cornbread Croutons

Italian Sausage Chili

Italian sausage turns up the flavor in this bold chili, paired with roasted tomatoes and just enough heat to keep things interesting. It’s hearty, satisfying, and proof that chili doesn’t need ground beef to shine. Serve it with crusty bread or just grab a spoon—it’s that good.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Chili

Chickpea and Kidney Bean Chili

Chickpeas and kidney beans take center stage in this plant-based chili, simmered to perfection with bold spices. It’s hearty enough to keep meat lovers happy and a great pick for chilly nights when you want something filling but different. Skip the beef and try this instead.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea and Kidney Bean Chili

Butternut Squash Chili

This veggie-packed chili uses sweet, nutty butternut squash to create a hearty bowl of comfort. Toss in beans and warming spices, and you’ve got a fall-inspired dish that’s perfect for meat-free nights. Who needs ground beef when squash can steal the show?
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Chili

Panera Turkey Chili

Recreate Panera’s fan-favorite turkey chili at home with this simple recipe. Lean turkey, beans, and hearty vegetables simmer together for a comforting bowl of chili that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. It’s proof that turkey can hold its own as the star of the show, no ground beef required.
Get the Recipe: Panera Turkey Chili

White Bean Chicken Chili

Creamy, filling, and packed with protein, this white bean chicken chili has everything you need for a satisfying meal. Chicken, beans, and a sprinkle of cheese make it a dish you’ll keep coming back to. Forget the ground beef—you won’t even miss it.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Chicken Chili

Cincinnati Chili

Forget everything you know about chili. This iconic version pairs a rich, spiced meat sauce with spaghetti for a bold, unexpected twist. It’s hearty, comforting, and a great way to switch up your usual chili night.
Get the Recipe: Cincinnati Chili

Dutch Oven Turkey Chili

This Dutch oven turkey chili is all about smoky, bold flavors with none of the usual ground beef. It’s a no-fuss recipe that’s great for meal prep or feeding a crowd on a chilly evening. Serve it with your favorite toppings, and you’re good to go.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Turkey Chili

Vegan Bean Chili

Hearty beans and veggies make this vegan chili a satisfying choice for anyone skipping the meat. It’s quick to throw together, packed with flavor, and a perfect one-pot meal for the whole family. Great for meatless nights that don’t feel like a compromise.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Bean Chili

Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili

Beans, pumpkin, and spices come together in this vegetarian chili that’s basically fall in a bowl. It’s hearty, filling, and perfect for nights when you want a cozy, meat-free dinner. No ground beef necessary—this one’s a winner on its own.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili

Slow Cooker Leftover Turkey Chili

Got leftover turkey? Put it to good use in this slow cooker chili. Toss everything in the pot and let it simmer into a hearty, flavorful meal that’s perfect for post-holiday dinners or weeknight comfort. Who needs ground beef when leftovers taste this good?
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Leftover Turkey Chili

Pork Chili with Butternut and Kale

Pork, butternut squash, and kale team up in this chili that’s light yet filling. It’s a refreshing take on chili that skips the beef and doubles down on flavor. A great pick for those who want a healthier, hearty option.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chili with Butternut and Kale