17 Frightfully Delicious Halloween Chili Recipes

When the leaves start falling and jack-o’-lanterns appear on porches, it’s time to bring some spooky magic to your kitchen. These Halloween-themed chili recipes combine the cozy comfort of a warm bowl with festive seasonal flavors that capture the spirit of October.

From vibrant orange pumpkin bases to mysterious black bean concoctions, each recipe offers its own delicious twist on this classic comfort food, perfect for Halloween parties or chilly autumn evenings.

Pumpkin Turkey Chili

This hearty chili brings together lean ground turkey with creamy pumpkin puree for a surprisingly rich and satisfying meal. The pumpkin adds natural sweetness that balances perfectly with traditional chili spices, creating a bowl that’s both comforting and seasonally appropriate. It’s incredibly easy to make in one pot, and the flavors actually improve overnight, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining. Find the recipe here.

Black Bean “Witch’s Brew” Chili

Dark and mysterious, this vegetarian chili gets its dramatic appearance from black beans and a hint of cocoa powder. The combination creates an earthy, complex flavor that’s both hearty and satisfying without any meat. It’s surprisingly quick to throw together on busy weeknights, and kids love the spooky presentation. The beans provide plenty of protein and fiber, making it a nutritious choice for the whole family. Find the recipe here.

Orange Bell Pepper Halloween Chili

Bright orange bell peppers take center stage in this colorful chili that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. The peppers add a sweet, mild flavor and gorgeous Halloween color that makes this dish perfect for themed parties. It’s incredibly versatile – you can easily adjust the heat level and add your favorite protein. The vibrant appearance always gets compliments, and it photographs beautifully for social media sharing. Find the recipe here.

Spooky Three-Bean Chili

This classic combination of kidney, black, and pinto beans creates a protein-packed vegetarian option that even meat-lovers will enjoy. The variety of beans provides different textures and flavors, making every bite interesting. It’s extremely budget-friendly and makes a huge batch, perfect for feeding a crowd at Halloween gatherings. The recipe is forgiving and easy to customize with whatever vegetables you have on hand. Find the recipe here.

Pumpkin White Chicken Chili

Creamy and comforting, this white chili gets its seasonal twist from pumpkin puree and warm spices like cumin and chili powder. The chicken stays tender and flavorful, while white beans add heartiness without overwhelming the delicate pumpkin flavor. It’s surprisingly elegant for a casual dish, making it great for dinner parties. The one-pot preparation keeps cleanup minimal, which is always a win during busy holiday season. Find the recipe here.

“Blood Red” Beef Chili

This dramatic chili gets its deep red color from a combination of tomatoes, red bell peppers, and a secret ingredient – beets! The result is a rich, complex flavor that’s both familiar and intriguingly different. Ground beef provides plenty of protein and substance, while the vegetables add natural sweetness. It looks appropriately spooky for Halloween but tastes sophisticated enough for any dinner party throughout the season. Find the recipe here.

Ghost Pepper White Chili

Don’t let the name scare you – this chili packs heat but won’t burn your taste buds off completely. Made with white beans, chicken, and just a touch of ghost pepper seasoning, it delivers a warming heat that builds gradually. The creamy white base looks ethereal and ghost-like, perfect for Halloween theming. It’s surprisingly approachable for those who enjoy a little spice in their life. Find the recipe here.

Butternut Squash Chili

Sweet butternut squash transforms traditional chili into something special, adding natural creaminess and a gorgeous orange color. The squash breaks down slightly during cooking, creating a rich, velvety texture that’s incredibly satisfying. It’s naturally vegetarian but hearty enough to satisfy any appetite. The prep work is minimal once you get the squash cubed, and it freezes beautifully for future meals. Find the recipe here.

Halloween Harvest Vegetable Chili

Packed with seasonal vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and corn, this chili celebrates autumn’s bounty in every spoonful. The variety of vegetables creates layers of flavor and texture that make each bite interesting and satisfying. It’s completely plant-based but incredibly filling and nutritious. The colorful mix of orange and yellow vegetables makes it visually stunning and perfect for Halloween entertaining. Find the recipe here.

Smoky Chipotle “Devil’s” Chili

This chili brings the heat with smoky chipotle peppers that add both spice and incredible depth of flavor. The smokiness pairs beautifully with ground beef and creates a complex, restaurant-quality taste at home. It’s not overwhelmingly spicy – just perfectly balanced with a lingering warmth that keeps you coming back for more. The rich, dark color and bold flavor make it perfect for Halloween’s devilish theme. Find the recipe here.

Orange Lentil Halloween Chili

Red lentils break down during cooking to create a naturally thick, protein-rich chili with a beautiful orange color. This vegetarian option is incredibly budget-friendly and cooks much faster than traditional bean-based chilis. The lentils absorb all the spice flavors beautifully, creating a satisfying meal that doesn’t feel like you’re missing anything. It’s also naturally gluten-free and packed with fiber and plant-based protein. Find the recipe here.

Spiced Pumpkin Turkey Chili

Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice give this pumpkin turkey chili a unique flavor profile that’s both cozy and exciting. The spices complement the pumpkin beautifully without making it taste like dessert. Lean ground turkey keeps it lighter than traditional beef chili while still providing plenty of protein. It’s perfect for those who want something familiar but with an interesting seasonal twist that guests will remember. Find the recipe here.

Black and Orange Bean Chili

The Halloween color scheme comes naturally in this striking chili made with black beans and orange bell peppers or carrots. The visual impact is immediate, but the flavor is what keeps people coming back for seconds. It’s incredibly easy to make vegetarian or add your favorite protein. The combination creates a well-balanced, hearty meal that’s perfect for themed parties or cozy family dinners. Find the recipe here.

Corn and Black Bean Chili

Sweet corn kernels add pops of sunshine to this otherwise dark and mysterious chili, creating both visual interest and flavor contrast. The sweetness of the corn balances the earthiness of black beans perfectly, making it appealing to both kids and adults. It comes together quickly in one pot, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners. The combination is unexpectedly delicious and always surprises first-time tasters. Find the recipe here.

Roasted Acorn Squash Chili

Roasting the acorn squash first adds incredible depth and caramelized sweetness to this unique chili. The extra step is worth it for the complex flavor it creates – much more interesting than using raw squash. The natural sweetness pairs beautifully with traditional chili spices, creating a sophisticated flavor profile. It’s impressive enough for dinner parties but comforting enough for family meals. Find the recipe here.

Forest Mushroom Chili

Multiple varieties of mushrooms create an earthy, meaty texture that satisfies even dedicated carnivores. The umami-rich flavor is complex and satisfying, proving that vegetarian chili can be just as hearty as meat-based versions. Different mushrooms add varying textures and flavors, making every bite interesting. It’s perfect for mushroom lovers and creates a mysterious, forest-like appearance that fits Halloween perfectly. Find the recipe here.

Candy Corn Inspired Sweet Potato Chili

Sweet potatoes provide natural sweetness and beautiful orange color in this playful take on Halloween chili. The sweetness is balanced with traditional chili spices, creating a unique flavor that’s both familiar and exciting. White beans add the “white” layer to complete the candy corn inspiration, though the taste is purely savory. It’s kid-friendly, nutritious, and creates a fun conversation starter at Halloween gatherings. Find the recipe here.