In the past week it has snowed three times in Minnesota, setting a record for the Twin Cities in the month of October. Repeat: The month of OCTOBER. 

In true 2020 fashion, Mother Nature has gifted us a very early re-introduction to the cold weather. Sure, we can complain and moan and groan but the fact of the matter is winter showed up way too early. Like the party guest who pops in while your hair is still in rollers and you haven’t even set out drinks yet. The worst.

Never fear. Food can help turn this gloom and doom around. More specifically, a wonderful list of delicious and easy chili recipes from some of my favorite Minnesota food bloggers (support your local businesses now more than ever, my friends).

Check out this list – including two chili recipes I developed specifically for Bring Me The News readers – and if you make any of them, be sure to share them with me (@lindsayguentzel) on social media.

1. Buffalo chicken chili

I love buffalo sauce. So much so, some days I plan a meal around how I’m going to use the sauce. So this was an easy transition for me. It’s incredibly flavorful and can be made in either your pressure cooker or your slow cooker. Or if you want to go the old-fashioned route, the stovetop works great too.

The original post focuses on using an Instant Pot but if you would like to find directions for the slow cooker, you can visit my personal blog here. 

Link to buffalo chicken chili. 

2. Loaded veggie chili with scratch black beans

I made this recipe because a reader called me out for using canned beans. And I’m thankful they did because now I have this delicious meatless option to use whenever I want to clean up my eating a little bit (although if I’m being honest, it would be killer with some pulled pork or spicy chorizo added to it).

Link to loaded veggie chili with scratch black beans. 

3. White bean chicken chili from Bailey Ryan of Whole Kitchen Sink

This slow-cooker recipe screams cold weather comfort! Backed with beans, corn and some chopped green chiles, it has everything you want in a chili recipe with a fun little spin -- no tomatoes! I see this as the perfect game day meal. Add a side of crunchy tortilla chips and a spread of salsas and guacamole to complete it.

A little about Bailey -- I have followed her on Instagram for years now. I first discovered her while looking for Whole30 and Paleo-friendly recipes and I was blown away by her talent and her honesty. She is candid about her weight loss and struggles with food and has built an arsenal of recipes that you’ll want to try.

Link to white chicken chili. 

4. Slow cooker pumpkin chili from The Real Food Dietitians

I also found The Real Food Dietitians while doing my first Whole 30 and was so excited when I found out one of the women lives and works here in Minnesota (Staci Hassing lives in rural southern Minnesota and shares so much great information about grocery shopping outside the metro area).

I picked this recipe because it’s pumpkin season but also because I love a good sweet and spicy combination. It is super thick and meaty and is super easy to make (plus leaves great leftovers which is key if you’re working from home right now).

Link to slow cooker pumpkin chili.

5. 30 minute spicy ancho turkey chili by Pinch of Yum’s Lindsay Ostrum

I saw this recipe and let out a giant “Okayyyyyyyy!”. Like twist my arm, it sounds perfect. Plus 30 minutes works with my mindset these days -- get in, get out and do it with as little mess as possible. I also love that this chili has a grain included in it (my Chili Traditionalists might be cringing right now). But it really takes it up a notch and Lindsay gives you options if farro isn’t your thing.

Lindsay is a former teacher turned full-time blogger whose website Pinch of Yum is loaded with recipes you’ll want to pay attention to this winter. And if you’re a wanna-be blogger, she has added great resources on how she built her business and keeps it going day-to-day. A great cornucopia of information.

Link to 30 minute spicy ancho turkey chili. 

Like this type of content? Keep up with Bring Me The News for all of Lindsay’s recipes and follow her adventures in the kitchen through via @LindsayGuentzel on Twitter and Instagram!