10+ Gluten-Free Chili Recipes
Chili is a quintessential comfort food, beloved for its rich flavors, hearty texture, and incredible versatility. Whether you’re gathering for a game day, seeking a cozy weeknight meal, or entering a cook-off, a good pot of chili is always a crowd-pleaser. For those following a gluten-free diet, the great news is that most chili recipes are naturally gluten-free or can be easily adapted. This article provides a collection of over ten delicious gluten-free chili recipes, ranging from classic and meaty to innovative and plant-based.
1. Classic Gluten-Free Beef Chili
A timeless classic, this beef chili is a straightforward and satisfying dish. This recipe is a perfect starting point for your chili adventures. It’s a simple, one-pot meal that delivers on all the traditional chili flavors you know and love.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 min | 30 min | 45 min | 6 |
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can pinto beans, drained
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté the onion for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add the garlic and bell pepper and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned and no pink remains.
- Stir in the tomato paste and all the spices. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, black beans, pinto beans, and broth. Stir to combine.
- Bring the chili to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro.
Recipe adapted from Eat With Clarity [1].
2. Creamy White Chicken Chili
For a delicious twist on traditional chili, this white chicken chili offers a creamy texture and a different flavor profile. It’s a satisfying and hearty option that’s perfect for those who prefer poultry or want a change from tomato-based chilis.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 min | 40 min | 50 min | 6 |
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeno, diced
- 1 poblano pepper, diced
- 1½ tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 3½ cups white beans (2 cans)
- 3 cups potatoes, cubed
- 3 cups gluten-free chicken broth
- ½ cup non-dairy milk (like coconut milk)
Instructions:
- In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onions until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the garlic, jalapeno, and poblano pepper, and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in the spices, white beans, and potatoes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Remove 1½ cups of the bean and potato mixture and mash it in a separate bowl. This will help to thicken the chili.
- Add the cooked chicken and the mashed bean mixture back to the pot. Stir until well combined.
- Continue to simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the coconut milk for a creamy finish.
Recipe adapted from Well Fed Baker [2].
3. Hearty Vegetarian Chili
This vegetarian chili is packed with vegetables and beans, making it a healthy and filling option for everyone, not just vegetarians. The recipe is versatile and can be adapted to include your favorite vegetables.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 min | 40 min | 55 min | 6-8 |
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium red onion, chopped
- 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- ½ tsp salt, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with their juices
- 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 1-2 tsp sherry vinegar or lime juice
Instructions:
- Warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, carrots, celery, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 7-10 minutes.
- Add the garlic and spices, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes, beans, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf. For a thicker consistency, you can blend 1½ cups of the chili and return it to the pot.
- Stir in the cilantro and vinegar. Season with additional salt to taste.
Recipe adapted from Cookie and Kate [3].
4. Savory Pumpkin Chili
Pumpkin isn’t just for pies! This pumpkin chili is a savory and delicious dish that’s perfect for autumn. The pumpkin adds a subtle sweetness and a velvety texture that complements the traditional chili spices.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 min | 45 min | 55 min | 10 cups |
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1½ tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 (28-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained
- ½-1 cup water or broth, as needed
Instructions:
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add the bell pepper, onion, and all the spices. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, pumpkin puree, and beans.
- Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add water or broth if the chili becomes too thick.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and your favorite toppings.
Recipe adapted from One Lovely Life [4].
5. Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili
This vibrant and healthy chili is a fantastic vegetarian option that is both sweet and savory. The sweet potatoes provide a wonderful texture and a nutritional boost, making this a satisfying and colorful meal.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 min | 45 min | 1 hour | 6-8 |
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened.
- Add the sweet potatoes, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, black beans, and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat and let the chili simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with avocado and cilantro.
This is a general recipe inspired by common sweet potato and black bean chili recipes.
6. Hearty Lentil Chili
Lentils are a fantastic, protein-packed base for a vegetarian chili. This recipe is not only healthy and filling but also incredibly flavorful. It’s a great option for a comforting and nutritious meal.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 min | 40 min | 50 min | 6 |
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups red or brown lentils, rinsed
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the lentils, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and vegetable broth.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine.
- Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Serve hot with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream.
This is a general recipe inspired by common lentil chili recipes.
7. Quick & Easy Turkey Chili
For a lighter but equally flavorful chili, ground turkey is an excellent choice. This recipe is perfect for a healthy and satisfying weeknight dinner that comes together in under an hour.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 min | 30 min | 45 min | 6-8 |
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the chili powder and cumin.
- Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and broth. Stir everything together.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors develop.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
This is a general recipe inspired by common turkey chili recipes.
8. Slow-Cooker Chili
The slow cooker is a fantastic tool for making chili, as the long, slow cooking time allows the flavors to deepen and meld together beautifully. This recipe is a “set it and forget it” meal that will have your house smelling wonderful all day.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 min | 6-8 hours | 6-8 hours | 8-10 |
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (15-ounce) cans kidney beans, drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained
- 2 (28-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 4 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions:
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef. Drain the fat and transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
- Add all remaining ingredients to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Stir well before serving. Garnish as desired.
This is a general recipe inspired by common slow-cooker chili recipes.
9. Authentic Texas Chili (No Beans)
True Texas chili, or “a bowl o’ red,” is all about the meat and the chilies. This recipe is a bean-free, tomato-free version that focuses on tender chunks of beef and a rich, flavorful chili gravy.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 min | 2-3 hours | 2-3 hours | 6-8 |
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp bacon fat or vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 4-6 dried ancho or guajillo chilies, stems and seeds removed
- 2 cups hot beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Toast the dried chilies in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side until fragrant. Soak the chilies in the hot beef broth for 20-30 minutes until softened. Blend the chilies and broth until smooth to create a chili paste.
- In a large Dutch oven, brown the beef cubes in the bacon fat in batches. Set aside.
- Add the onion and cook until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Return the beef to the pot. Stir in the chili paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
This is a general recipe inspired by common Texas chili recipes.
10. Cincinnati-Style Chili
Cincinnati chili is a unique regional specialty with a thinner consistency and a distinctive blend of spices that often includes cinnamon and allspice. It’s traditionally served over spaghetti or hot dogs.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 min | 1.5-2 hours | 1.5-2 hours | 8-10 |
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- ¼ cup chili powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp allspice
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Gluten-free spaghetti, for serving
Instructions:
- In a large pot, combine the ground beef and beef broth, and bring to a boil, stirring to break up the meat.
- Reduce the heat and add the onions, garlic, tomato sauce, and all the spices. Stir well.
- Simmer, uncovered, for 1.5-2 hours, or until the chili has thickened.
- Serve over gluten-free spaghetti. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, onions, or beans for a “three-way,” “four-way,” or “five-way.”
This is a general recipe inspired by common Cincinnati-style chili recipes.
This collection of gluten-free chili recipes offers something for every palate and occasion. From the classic beef and beans to the more adventurous pumpkin or Cincinnati-style chili, you’re sure to find a new favorite. All of these recipes are either naturally gluten-free or require simple substitutions to fit your dietary needs. Enjoy the process of simmering a pot of delicious, comforting chili!
References
[1] Eat With Clarity. (2025, March 10). Gluten Free Beef Chili. https://eatwithclarity.com/gluten-free-beef-chili/
[2] Well Fed Baker. (2023, March 22). Gluten Free White Chicken Chili. https://wellfedbaker.com/white-bean-chicken-chili/
[3] Cookie and Kate. (2024, October 3). Homemade Vegetarian Chili. https://cookieandkate.com/vegetarian-chili-recipe/
[4] One Lovely Life. (2024, October 7). The BEST Pumpkin Chili. https://www.onelovelylife.com/pumpkin-chili/
