Slow cookers were basically made for chili season. You throw a bunch of stuff in, go about your day, and by the time you’re ready for dinner, it’s like you’ve been cooking all day (but without the effort). Whether you’re into meaty, vegetarian, or something with a little extra kick, these slow cooker chili recipes have got you covered. From classic turkey chili to pumpkin and lentil combos, there’s something here for every fall taste and craving.

A bowl of chili garnished with sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado chunks, and a lime wedge. The chili contains beans, corn, and ground meat, and is sprinkled with chopped herbs.
Photo credit: Little Sunny Kitchen.
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Kabocha Squash Chili

A bowl of kabocha squash chili in a bowl on a blue plate.
Kabocha Squash Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Kabocha squash gives this chili a subtle sweetness and a hearty texture, making it a great vegetarian option for the colder months. It’s perfect for when you want something rich and filling without the meat.
Get the Recipe: Kabocha Squash Chili

Pantry White Chicken Chili

Pantry White Chicken Chili. Photo credit: Recipes From a Pantry.

Made from pantry staples, this white chicken chili is a great option when you need a no-fail, comforting meal without much hassle. Just throw everything in the slow cooker, and a few hours later, you’ve got a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for cozy nights.
Get the Recipe: Pantry White Chicken Chili

Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne. Photo credit: Daisies and Pie.

This slow cooker chili con carne is all about convenience and bold flavor. It’s a classic dump-and-go recipe that delivers every time. Let it simmer away, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s perfect for those cooler months.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

Meaty Slow Cooker Venison Chili

Meaty Slow Cooker Venison Chili. Photo credit: Stef’s Eats and Sweets.

Venison brings a unique edge to this chili. Toss it in the slow cooker with spices and veggies, and let it cook until the flavors meld into a rich, hearty meal. It’s great when you want something a little different but still comforting.
Get the Recipe: Meaty Slow Cooker Venison Chili

Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Chili

Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Chili. Photo credit: My Gorgeous Recipes.

Ground beef and sweet potatoes might sound like an unexpected combo, but trust me, it works. This chili is packed with flavor and texture, and the slow cooker does all the hard work. It’s a perfect go-to for a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Chili

Slow Cooker No-Bean Chili

Slow Cooker No-Bean Chili. Photo credit: The Short Order Cook.

If you’re looking for a Texas-style chili, this no-bean version hits the spot. Packed with ground beef and bacon, it’s hearty and bold, making it a great option for anyone who prefers their chili without beans. Let the slow cooker handle it.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker No-Bean Chili

Meaty Slow Cooker Steak Chili

Meaty Slow Cooker Steak Chili. Photo credit: The Dinner Bell.

Want chili that’s got steakhouse vibes? This slow cooker steak chili uses inexpensive cuts of beef that turn tender after simmering for hours. It’s rich, comforting, and perfect when you’re craving something a little extra. Top it with cheese and onions to complete the meal.
Get the Recipe: Meaty Slow Cooker Steak Chili

The Best Vegetarian Chili

The Best Vegetarian Chili. Photo credit: Simple Everyday Recipes.

This vegetarian chili proves you don’t need meat to have a great meal. It’s packed with beans, veggies, and just the right amount of spice. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just taking a break from meat, this one’s a winner for any fall or winter dinner.
Get the Recipe: The Best Vegetarian Chili

Easy Mexican Chili

Easy Mexican Chili. Photo credit: Moderately Messy RD.

This Mexican-inspired chili is a perfect slow cooker meal for fall. Whether you let it simmer all day or whip it up in under 30 minutes on the stovetop, it’s easy, flavorful, and great for leftovers—if there’s any left.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mexican Chili

High Protein Chili

High Protein Chili. Photo credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

Packed with ground beef, beans, and corn, this high-protein chili is both hearty and healthy. It’s a great recipe to make in a big batch, perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd without breaking a sweat.
Get the Recipe: High Protein Chili

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili. Photo credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

Buffalo chicken meets chili in this slow cooker dish. A bit tangy with a slight kick, it’s a great way to switch things up. Throw the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do its thing while you handle everything else.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

Slow Cooker Weight Watchers Turkey Chili

Slow Cooker Weight Watchers Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Recipes From a Pantry.

This turkey chili is low on points but big on flavor. Let it simmer in the slow cooker, and you’ll have a comforting, family-friendly meal that’s easy to make and perfect for fall.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Weight Watchers Turkey Chili

Wendy’s Chili Recipe Copycat

Wendy’s Chili Recipe Copycat. Photo credit: Budget Delicious.

Love Wendy’s chili? This budget-friendly copycat version gives you that same comfort food vibe right at home. It freezes well, makes great leftovers, and is perfect for meal prep or feeding a hungry crew.
Get the Recipe: Wendy’s Chili Recipe Copycat

Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Slow Cooker Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Little Sunny Kitchen.

Ground turkey, beans, and tomatoes come together for an easy, flavorful chili that’s sure to be a family favorite. Throw it all in the slow cooker, let it simmer for hours, and you’ve got a perfect weeknight dinner with almost no effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Slow Cooker Chunky White Chicken Chili

Slow Cooker Chunky White Chicken Chili. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Looking for a chicken chili that breaks from tradition? This white chicken chili is a slow cooker classic. Packed with chunky chicken, it’s a great alternative to red beef chili, especially as the weather cools down.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chunky White Chicken Chili

Three Bean Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Three Bean Slow Cooker Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Fannetastic Food.

Three types of beans, ground turkey, and a load of flavor—this chili is perfect for a busy weeknight. Prep it in the morning, throw it in the slow cooker, and come home to a meal ready to go. It’s also great for freezing and reheating later.
Get the Recipe: Three Bean Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Butternut Squash Chili

Butternut Squash Chili. Photo credit: Chew Out Loud.

Butternut squash in chili? Yep, it works. This hearty, veggie-packed chili is perfect for fall nights when you want something a little different but still full of flavor. Let the slow cooker handle it while you enjoy the season.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Chili

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Quinoa Chili

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Quinoa Chili. Photo credit: Kitchen Treaty.

This hearty chili packs in protein with sweet potatoes and quinoa. Just toss the ingredients in the Crock Pot, and by the time you’re back, dinner’s done. Perfect for those cold nights when you need something filling and easy.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Quinoa Chili

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Red Lentil Chili

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Red Lentil Chili. Photo credit: Kitchen Treaty.

Thick and hearty, this pumpkin and red lentil chili is a vegetarian dish that’s perfect for fall. It’s got just enough of a twist to keep things interesting, but not so out there that it won’t be a crowd pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pumpkin Red Lentil Chili

Southwest Style Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

Southwest Style Slow Cooker Chili Recipe. Photo credit: Chili Pepper Madness.

Loaded with Southwest flavors like roasted green chilies, ground beef, and fire-roasted tomatoes, this chili is an easy go-to for anyone who loves a little kick. Let it simmer all day for a bold and flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Style Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

Easy Crockpot Chili Recipe

Easy Crockpot Chili Recipe. Photo credit: Chili Pepper Madness.

This easy crockpot chili is as straightforward as it gets. Pick your favorite ground meat, toss it in with fire-roasted tomatoes, beans, and some seasoning, and you’ve got yourself a go-to chili that’s perfect for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Easy Crockpot Chili Recipe

Classic Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Classic Slow Cooker Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Mary’s Whole Life.

Ground turkey, two types of beans, tomatoes, and green chilies come together in this classic chili. It’s hearty and simple to make, and with the perfect spice blend, it’s a great family meal that’s easy to love.
Get the Recipe: Classic Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Founder and Writer at Running to the Kitchen | About

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.

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