The fourth Thursday in February is National Chili Day! To celebrate, we’ve rounded up some of the best ways to cook it, serve it, and eat it. Whether you like yours classic with a full-bodied tomato flavor, filled with meat, on the lighter side, or vegetarian, we’ve got you covered. So get out your deepest pot, gather your ingredients and get cooking.
And if you really want to have fun, have your friends do the same so you can compare flavors and recipes and name a winner! For now, your own Military Family can just decide for yourselves which of the 7 ways of making chili is your favorite, below.
1) Slow-Cooker Style
No time to watch the pot? You don’t have to with this make-ahead recipe. Tia Mowry shows you how it’s done. Just add a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cheese on top of each bowl you serve up and call it done.
2) World’s Best
Arguably, everyone has their own favorite chili recipe. But this one has a real claim to fame as a bonafide winner. Check out this champion and let your Military Family do the judging. Will it be a winner?
3. Veggie Dream
Meat isn’t the only star of classic chili. It can still be hearty and full of heat… minus the meat. And the toppings take it to the next level, from avocado to green onion to cilantro and lime. You won’t think anything’s missing, other than a second helping.
4. Chili Dog Heaven
Toasty bread is just the beginning of this mouthwatering meal. Add your hankering for a hot dog coated with a heaping helping of spicy chili and cheese and your mouth will be on its way to Cloud 9.
5. Riding the Range
Looking for a down-home meal that can satisfy your cravings after a hard day’s work? Stir up a cast-iron pot of chili that’s authentic enough to get a cowboy’s seal of approval. It’s got the usual beans, meat and tomatoes, but also an extra-hearty dash of chili love.
6. Quick Queso
A big bowl of chili isn’t the only way to enjoy the aroma and taste of… chili. This queso dip flips the flavors upside down, giving cheese the starring role. But that’s not the end of the story. Add some tortilla chips and get to dipping so you can see for yourself what you’ve been missing.
7. Verde Delicious
Want to go a little lighter with the ingredients and color? Try green. This chili features chunks of port and fresh tomatillos to make a mild, yet fragrant bowl of soup that will leave your taste buds asking for more after every bite.
