• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Butter & Baggage logo
  • Recipe Search
    • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers
    • Breads & Biscuits
    • Breakfast
      • Muffins
    • Casseroles
    • Desserts
      • Bars
      • Brownies
      • Cakes & Cupcakes
      • Cookies
      • Fruit Desserts
      • Pies, Cobblers & Crisps
    • Main Dishes
      • Beef
      • Chicken
      • Pork
      • Seafood
    • Pasta
      • Mac and Cheese
    • Salads
    • Sauces & Dips
    • Side Dishes
    • Snacks
    • Soups & Chilis
  • Shop
  • My Favorites
  • Kitchen Hacks
  • About
    • Editorial Policies
    • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Search
  • Recipe Index
  • Kitchen Hacks
  • Portfolio
  • About
  • Editorial Policies
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » MSN Slideshows

    Why Chili Season Starts Now—And 16 Recipes to Kick It Off Right

    Published: Sep 21, 2025 by Barbara Curry

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

    Crisp evenings and cozy weekends are the perfect excuse to break out the big pot, and that’s exactly why chili season starts now. There’s just something about a simmering bowl of hearty, flavorful chili that feels like fall comfort in its purest form. Whether you like it smoky, spicy, or piled high with toppings, this is the time to gather up your favorite recipes and dig in.

    Cheesy Chili Mac to Kick Off Chili Season

    A Dutch oven with chili mac and cheese.
    Cheesy Chili Mac to Kick Off Chili Season. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.


     

    Kick off chili season with ultra-cheesy chili mac, where spicy chili meets creamy pasta for a bold, comforting dish perfect for game days or chilly nights.
    Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chili Mac to Kick Off Chili Season

    Sweet & Spicy Southern Chili for Cozy Nights

    Sweet & Spicy Southern Chili for Cozy Nights. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    My All-American Summer Menu 🇺🇸

    FREE EMAIL BONUS: Delicious summer recipes just in time for the season

    This southern-inspired chili blends ground beef, sausage, BBQ sauce, and baked beans for a sweet-and-spicy bowl that’s ideal for casual fall dinners, football Sundays, or potlucks.
    Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Southern Chili for Cozy Nights

    Dutch Oven White Chicken Chili Made for Fall

    Dutch Oven White Chicken Chili Made for Fall. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

    Fresh ingredients make this from-scratch chili the star of every gathering—its creamy, spicy balance even wins over die-hard red chili fans.
    Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven White Chicken Chili Made for Fall

    Instant Pot White Chicken Chili in Minutes

    Instant Pot White Chicken Chili in Minutes. Photo credit: The Kitchen Magpie.

    Start the season strong with a flavor-packed Instant Pot white chicken chili that’s quick, hearty, and full of cozy warmth.
    Get the Recipe: Instant Pot White Chicken Chili in Minutes

    Hearty Mexican White Bean Chili for Chilly Evenings

    Hearty Mexican White Bean Chili for Chilly Evenings. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    White bean chili brings hearty beans, sweet corn, and bold Mexican spices together for a bowl that feels like fall in every bite.
    Get the Recipe: Hearty Mexican White Bean Chili for Chilly Evenings

    Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili That Warms You Up

    Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili That Warms You Up. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Nothing says chili season like a Texas-style classic—this copycat Texas Roadhouse chili delivers thick, meaty flavor that fans swear is the best.
    Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili That Warms You Up

    Smoked Chili with Big Flavor for Fall Gatherings

    Smoked Chili with Big Flavor for Fall Gatherings. Photo credit: Foodie and Wine.

    Smoked chili filled with beef, sausage, peppers, and spices brings rich depth and smoky comfort to crisp autumn evenings.
    Get the Recipe: Smoked Chili with Big Flavor for Fall Gatherings

    Easy Crock Pot Chili for Stress-Free Comfort

    Easy Crock Pot Chili for Stress-Free Comfort. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

    Bring some fun to chili season with a Cincinnati-style recipe—sweet, savory, and spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg for a surprising family favorite.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Crock Pot Chili for Stress-Free Comfort

    Skyline-Style Cincinnati Chili in the Instant Pot

    Skyline-Style Cincinnati Chili in the Instant Pot. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Venison chili makes use of lean deer meat simmered with beans, tomatoes, and spices for a hearty, seasonal dish that’s as rustic as it is satisfying.
    Get the Recipe: Skyline-Style Cincinnati Chili in the Instant Pot

    Rustic Venison Chili for Cold-Weather Comfort

    Rustic Venison Chili for Cold-Weather Comfort. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

    The best hearty beef chili tastes like home—traditional, comforting, and ready to warm you up as the weather turns cold.
    Get the Recipe: Rustic Venison Chili for Cold-Weather Comfort

    Classic Hearty Beef Chili to Start the Season Right

    Classic Hearty Beef Chili to Start the Season Right. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

    For a meaty twist, this beanless chili delivers bold, rich flavor without a single bean—perfect for those who want chili season all about the beef.
    Get the Recipe: Classic Hearty Beef Chili to Start the Season Right

    Rich and Meaty Beanless Chili for True Chili Fans

    Rich and Meaty Beanless Chili for True Chili Fans. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

    White bean chili, brimming with beans, corn, and Mexican spice, is a seasonal staple that’s hearty, fresh, and perfect for cozy nights in.
    Get the Recipe: Rich and Meaty Beanless Chili for True Chili Fans

    Mexican White Bean Chili Packed with Seasonal Flavor

    Mexican White Bean Chili Packed with Seasonal Flavor. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Red chicken chili, simmered in a tomato broth with warming spices, is hearty, satisfying, and a lighter way to kick off chili season.
    Get the Recipe: Mexican White Bean Chili Packed with Seasonal Flavor

    Chunky Chicken Chili with Tomatoes for Weeknights

    Red chicken chili scooped into three bowls.
    Chunky Chicken Chili with Tomatoes for Weeknights. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Slow-cooked short rib chili simmered with beer and spices is the ultimate stick-to-your-ribs comfort food—no beans required for this fall favorite.
    Get the Recipe: Chunky Chicken Chili with Tomatoes for Weeknights

    Short Rib Chili Without Beans for Stick-to-Your-Ribs Comfort

    Three bowls of beef chili next to a soup ladel.
    Short Rib Chili Without Beans for Stick-to-Your-Ribs Comfort. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Slow cooker chicken chili with poblano peppers is a healthy, hands-off dinner that’s perfect for easing into chili season on busy weeknights.
    Get the Recipe: Short Rib Chili Without Beans for Stick-to-Your-Ribs Comfort

    Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Perfect for Busy Fall Days

    A bowl of chili made in a slow cooker topped with cheese and sour cream
    Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Perfect for Busy Fall Days. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Instant Pot Cincinnati-style chili combines beef, tomato, and aromatic spices for a sweet-savory twist that makes a unique addition to chili season traditions.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Perfect for Busy Fall Days

    Every Time the Leaves Change, These 39 Soups Hit the Spot

    Three bowls of soup and chili: top left shows chili with corn, beans, tortilla strips, and sour cream; bottom left shows chili with barley and red onion slices; right shows chicken noodle soup with carrots and herbs.
    Every Time the Leaves Change, These 39 Soups Hit the Spot. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Game day feels so much easier when the food takes care of itself, and these appetizers When the season shifts, these soups always deliver the kind of comfort that feels just right. From creamy classics to rustic broths simmered low and slow, they’re the bowls that satisfy every fall craving. A cozy finish that never goes out of style.
    Grab it here: Every Time the Leaves Change, These 39 Soups Hit the Spot

    Explore Recipes

    MSN Slideshows
    « When Kickoff Hits, These 29 Appetizers Keep the Crowd Cheering
    You’ll Want to Bookmark These 23 Pumpkin Recipes for the Whole Season »

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Barbara holds a tote bag filled with flowers, baguettes, and fresh produce at an indoor market.

    Barbara Curry is the culinary adventurer of Butter & Baggage. With a dedicated enthusiasm for real butter made from happy cows she is in constant pursuit of delicious recipes and tasty dishes. She shares her experiences, ventures, and occasional misadventures because let’s face it things can get messy in any kitchen.

    More about me →

    Subscribe

    Cookout Side Dishes

    • Southern style Ranch potato salad in a glass bowl next to green onions.
      Loaded Ranch Potato Salad with Bacon
    • A scoop of summer squash casserole.
      Creamy Squash Casserole with Ritz Cracker Topping
    • A serving bowl with a dressed peach and pasta salad.
      Summer Pasta Salad with Fresh Peaches
    • A wooden spoon with a serving of macaroni salad.
      Creamy Southern Macaroni Salad with Cheese

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Our All-Star Recipes

    • A round baking dish of mac and cheese with a serving spoon.
      Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese
    • A skillet of charred corn with a wooden spoon.
      Skillet Charred Corn with Bacon and Cream
    • A serving spoon of ground beef potato casserole.
      Hamburger Potato Casserole Without Canned Soup
    • A serving spoon of baked beans with hamburger.
      Southern Baked Beans with Ground Beef
    • A baked chicken tamale pie.
      Baked Chicken Tamale Pie Casserole with A Cornbread Crust
    • Square biscuits in a bowl with coffee cups.
      Square Buttermilk Biscuits (Tall & Flaky)

    COPYRIGHT © 2026 BUTTER & BAGGAGE | PRIVACY POLICY | WEB STORIES
    BRANDING & CUSTOMIZATION BY GRACE + VINE STUDIOS

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required