There’s something about the fall crisp air, cozy sweaters, and the smell of something delicious simmering on the stove. And when it comes to hearty, budget-friendly meals, chili takes the crown. The secret ingredient to making your cozy meals even better…thrifted kitchen finds. Whether you’re stirring in a vintage Dutch oven or serving out of a secondhand crock, shopping secondhand adds warmth, sustainability, and affordability to your fall routine. Check out these 3 chili recipes with items you can find at your local Goodwill NCW store.

Why Thrifted Kitchenware Is a Must for Fall Cooking

Fall is the perfect season to lean into slow cooking, batch meals, and one-pot recipes. Your local Goodwill store is one of the best places to stock up on tools for all of it. 

Look for these secondhand kitchen essentials:

• Cast iron Dutch ovens
• Crockpots and slow cookers
• Soup bowls and chili mugs
• Wooden spoons, ladles, and whisks
• Measuring cups, mixing bowls, and spice racks
• Vintage thermoses or soup carriers
• Spices
• Containers for leftovers
• Cookbooks

Not only are these items often more durable than newer models, but they also help you save money while keeping items out of landfills, it’s a win-win!

Recipe 1: Classic One-Pot Chili

A fall staple, this traditional beef or turkey chili is packed with flavor and easy to scale up for leftovers or gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can kidney beans (drained)
• 1 can black beans (drained)
• 1 can diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown meat in a thrifted Dutch oven or cast iron skillet.
2. Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
3. Add beans, tomatoes, and spices. Stir well.
4. Cover and simmer on low for 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally.
5. Serve in thrifted chili mugs and top with cheese, sour cream, or green onions.
    

Tip: Leftovers taste even better the next day!

Recipe 2: Chicken Enchilada Chili

Looking to add some spice? This chicken enchilada chili is perfect for chilly nights.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound, chicken breast
• 1 can white beans
• 1 can hot diced tomatoes with habaneros
• 10 oz enchilada sauce green chiles mild
• 4oz Green chilies, diced

Instructions:

1. Cook and dice chicken
2. In the last few minutes of cooking the chicken, add the green chilies and tomatoes with habaneros
3. Add beans and enchilada sauce
4. Let cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes

Recipe 3: Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili (Vegetarian & Vegan-Friendly)

This meatless chili is hearty, healthy, and full of fall flavor. It’s a great option for meal prepping or hosting vegetarian guests.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can black beans (drained)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional but adds warmth)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large thrifted soup pot or Dutch oven.
2. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
3. Add sweet potatoes and bell pepper, cook for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in beans, tomatoes, broth, and spices.
5. Cover and simmer for 30–40 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender.
6. Serve hot with avocado, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime.

Bonus: It freezes beautifully!

Embrace the Season with Secondhand Style

Using secondhand kitchen essentials makes each meal a little more meaningful. When you thrift for your kitchen, you’re choosing sustainability, saving money, and supporting programs that help people reach their goals through skill building and the power of work.

Visit your local Goodwill NCW store to stock up on kitchen tools perfect for fall.