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.
Kabocha Squash Chili
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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.