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8 Chili Recipes for All Your Winter Weather Occasions

January 20, 2020
4 min. read

Texas Red Chili

Do you have a favorite chili recipe? ­­There’s something about that classic combo of meat, chilies, and spices that can’t be beat. It’s a great comforting meal on a chilly winter’s night, the perfect topping for some of our favorite foods, and is easily customizable to create unique variations. Chili even makes a convenient tailgating option or Game Day meal for a crowd!

Now, it’s worth noting that there are about as many chili recipes as there are chili cooks—everyone has his or her own unique spin on the classic dish. There is much debate about what constitutes “chili,” even amongst fellow residents of the same state.

Does it contain beans? Should it include tomatoes? What kind or cut of meat should be used? What spices and other ingredients are acceptable?

We’re not picky. We think every kind of chili has its merits. But in the interest of history, let’s take a brief look at some of the regional chili styles, before diving into some delicious recipes.

 

Chili Variations

  • Chili Con Carne, a.k.a. Texas Red: A spicy chili consisting primarily of beef chunks, red chilies, and cumin; sometimes includes tomatoes, but never “fillers” such as beans.
  • Springfield Chilli: Made with ground beef, tomato sauce, beans, spices including chili powder, and occasionally hot sauce.
  • Cincinnati-Style Chili: Inspired by flavors from Greece, it is a milder beef sauce typically seasoned with cumin, chili pepper, paprika, allspice, cinnamon and/or chocolate. It was originally served as a topping for “coneys” or hot dogs, and is often served over spaghetti with shredded cheddar cheese and occasionally beans and/or onions.
  • Oklahoma-Style Chili: Similar to Texas’ red chili but may also include beans and masa.
  • Chile Verde: This New Mexico-inspired version is often made with pork, tomatillos, and fresh or roasted Hatch chilies. It usually does not use cumin and does not include fillers like beans or pasta.
  • White Chili: Typically made with chicken or turkey, fresh peppers, white beans, and is sometimes served with shredded cheese.
  • Veggie Chili: Vegetarian version made with beans, vegetables, occasionally meat substitutes, and either fresh or dried chilies.

 

Chili Recipes

Now that you know the various styles of chili across the U.S., why not host your own Chili Cook-Off and choose the winner for yourself!

Texas Red Chili

Texas Red Chili

Texans are very particular about their chili. As you read above, authentic Texas chili never contains beans, and only occasionally includes tomatoes. At its basis, Texas chili is just beef (usually cubed as opposed to ground), chili peppers, and spices.

Our bowl of “Texas Red” includes homemade chile paste from rehydrated chilies, cubed beef chuck, onions, garlic, beef stock, masa harina, water, brown sugar, and white vinegar. Try it topped with sour cream, fresh lime juice, and Martin’s Butter Bread (which is coming soon to Texas, so add one point for authenticity!)

Try the recipe: https://potatorolls.com/recipes/texas-red-chili

 

Chili Cheese Dog Grilled Cheese

Chili Cheese Dog Grilled Cheese

This isn’t so much a chili recipe as it is a creative idea for leftovers. The next time you have some extra chili con carne on hand, use it to recreate your favorite ballpark stadium food into a glorious sandwich. This recipe griddles up a hot dog, tops it off with cheese and prepared chili, then crafts it into a golden brown grilled cheese sandwich creation.

Try the recipe: https://potatorolls.com/recipes/chili-cheese-dog-grilled-cheese

 

Vegetarian Five Bean Chili

Five Bean Chili

If you’re looking for a meatless chili option, this five-bean variation, which also includes kale, fresh veggies, and Martin’s Whole Wheat Potato Bread croutons, is perfect for you!

Try the recipe: https://potatorolls.com/recipes/five-bean-chili

 

Carolina-Style Burgers or Hot Dogs

Carolina Slaw Dogs

Looking for another way to use homemade chili? Take plain burgers or hot dogs and dress them up “Carolina-style” by topping with the sweet-and-spicy meat sauce and some homemade coleslaw.

Try both options below!

 

Chili Joe Sliders

Chili Joe Sliders

These oven-baked sliders on Martin’s Party Potato Rolls, stuffed with beef and bean chili and cheddar cheese, and topped with a special glaze, are the perfect large-batch meal for your Game Day watch party or next potluck-style meal!

Try the recipe: https://potatorolls.com/recipes/chili-joes

 

Chili Pulled Beef Sandwiches

Chili Pulled Beef Sandwiches

Chili makes a wonderful meal for your slow cooker because the longer it cooks, the better it seems to taste. These sandwiches include a unique take on chili, using barbecue-seasoned shredded beef, Colby-jack cheese, tomatoes, pinto beans, salsa, and a blend of fresh veggies and dried spices.

Try the recipe: https://potatorolls.com/recipes/chili-pulled-beef-sandwiches

 

Chili Half Smokes

Chili Half Smoke

This chili-topped sausage recipe is a popular indulgence in Washington, D.C. The half-pork, half-beef sausages are griddled up then topped with a flavorful chili sauce and served with yellow mustard and diced white onions.

Try the recipe: https://potatorolls.com/recipes/chili-half-smokes

 

Chili Bread Bowls

Chili Bread Bowls

If you’re short on time or looking for a portable option for tailgating or on-the-go eating, try these mini chili bread bowls using Martin’s Dinner Potato Rolls.

Try the recipe: https://potatorolls.com/recipes/super-quick-chili

 

Which type of chili is your favorite?


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