What to Serve with Chili con Carne (45+ Sides)

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Chili con carne is a flavorful and hearty dish that is sure to please any crowd. But what about the side dishes? Here’s 45+ tasty sides to serve with it!

Collage of sides for chili con carne with text overlay.

In this post, I’ll break down some of the best side dishes to serve with chili con carne so that you’ll have an easy and delicious meal.

The best side dishes to serve with chili con carne are ones that are hearty and flavorful, but don’t overpower the main entree.

The side dishes mentioned in this post, such as baked potatoes, simple salads, cornbread, rice, and refried beans, are all crowd pleasers and can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for when you’re serving chili con carne.

Here are all of the best options.

The BEST Sides for Chili con Carne

Overhead shot of refried beans in blue bowl topped with crumbled cotija, tomatoes and jalapenos.
Instant Pot Refried Beans require no presoaking. Plus, they're virtually fat free and can be made vegetarian or vegan with some simple swaps. 
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Ears of corn on the cob in a grey serving dish with a pat of butter and sprinkling of parsley.
Learn how to make the BEST Instant Pot Corn on the Cob. This pressure cooker corn on the cob recipe uses a simple, secret ingredient to guarantee that your corn is sweet, tender and delicious! 
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Cooked french fries in air fryer.
These Air Fryer Frozen Shoestring Fries come out exactly like your favorite fast food fries! They’re crispy, golden on the outside and perfectly fluffy inside. SO much better than deep frying or baking! Plus, you can cook different types of fries – waffle fries, steak fries and more!
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Overhead shot of Mexican street corn salad in serving bowl.
This Couscous Corn Salad puts a salad twist on Mexican Street Corn. Smoky grilled corn, a creamy cumin-lime dressing, and pearl couscous combine to create this delicious salad.
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Bowl of rice and small bowl of soy sauce next to instant pot.
With these tips you’ll see it’s simple to learn how to cook perfect rice in the Instant Pot . The result is fluffy & flavorful rice that’s easy to prepare with minimal measuring.
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Overhead close up of zucchini fries on platter.
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries with Lemon Tarragon Aioli are perfect for snacking. Strips of zucchini, coated in panko cook up perfectly crispy in the air fryer. Dip them in an easy-to-prepare creamy aioli flavored with tarragon and lemon. 
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Overhead close up of bowl of kale caesar salad in white bowl with serving spoon.
This Kale Caesar Salad is topped with crispy homemade croutons and parmesan cheese. Massaging the creamy garlic dressing into the kale makes it extra tender and delicious.
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Overhead shot of air fryer baked potato split open and topped with butter.
Learn how to make Air Fryer Baked Potatoes with crispy skins! They cook up easily in your air fryer with perfect, crispy & salty skins.
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Extreme close up of tortilla chips in air fryer basket.
These 3-ingredient Air Fryer Tortilla Chips are quick and easy to make, super crunchy, and light. They’re perfect for dunking in salsa, guacamole, hummus, and more!
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Blistered shishito peppers served on a black plate with lemon wedges.
These Blistered Shishito Peppers are the perfect finger food. They’re so easy to make too. Lightly seasoned and slightly smoky, you’ll find that most are mild… one out of every ten might surprise you. 
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CLOSE UP OF ROASTED SWEET POTATOES ON SERVING TRAY WITH SPOON.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a salty, crispy, savory, and slightly sweet side dish you can pair with almost anything! Lightly spiced and so simple, this easy recipe is a total crowd pleaser and a must-have for weeknight dinners.
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Arugula Salad ready to be served.
This Arugula Salad recipe with red wine vinaigrette is my go-to green salad. The arugula has a peppery bite to it which pairs wonderfully with the acid in the vinaigrette. It’s the perfect salad for pairing with rich dishes.
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Shirazi salad centered in frame with serving spoon.
This simple Shirazi Salad recipe features fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and crisp red onion. Dressed with plenty of fresh herbs and tossed with a tangy dressing made with lime juice and olive oil. Every bite is bursting with refreshing flavors!
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Split open sweet potato on grey plate with pats of butter and fork.
Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes cook up quicker than in the oven and they’re deliciously fluffy and creamy every time! Learn how to make the BEST sweet potatoes in the pressure cooker in just about 30 minutes! 
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Serving spoon in bowl of tomato cucumber salad.
This Tomato Cucumber Salad features fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and crisp red onion. Dressed in a tangy homemade red wine vinaigrette, every bite is bursting with refreshing Mediterranean flavors!
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Pasta chips on plate with small bowl of dipping sauce.
Pasta Chips are the latest TikTok food trend. Made with cooked pasta that's coated with parmesan, garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Then air fried (or baked in the oven) until crispy, crunchy & delicious!
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These air fryer hot dogs take less than 10 minutes to make and once you try them, you’ll never boil hot dogs again! The air fryer adds a delicious crust – almost like they’ve been grilled – but you don’t have to take the time to bring water to a boil or fire up the grill.
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These air fryer tater tots take less than 15 minutes to make and come out perfectly crisp for the perfect quick and easy weeknight side dish!
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Crispy Garlic Sweet Potato Fries are thick cut sweet potatoes baked in olive oil and seasoned with garlic powder and Italian seasoning for a crispy outside and a tender inside.
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Soft & Gooey Homemade Cinnamon Rolls | Butternut Bakery
The pairing of chili and cinnamon rolls is a big thing in regional pockets of the Midwest and across western states like Wyoming and Washington. These easy homemade cinnamon rolls are ready in under 2 hours and have the best soft and moist texture with a silky cream cheese icing.
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Overhead shot of pretzel bites in serving platter with small bowl of cheese sauce.
Pretzel Bites with Cheese Sauce are the perfect snack for tailgating. Soft, chewy and bite size with a golden crust, they're perfect for dunking into a rich cheese dip that can be customized 3-ways.
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This Loaded Potato Skins recipe is made with the crispy skins of a baked potato and filled with bacon, cheese, sour cream, and chives!
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This summertime classic fruit salad is a simple combo of juicy seasonal fruit drizzled with a bright honey lime dressing. A must for BBQ’s, picnics, and beach days!
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Making your own Homemade Potato Chips from scratch is easier than you think and so rewarding. It may take a little bit of time, but once you know how to make your own potato chips, you’ll know it’s worth the extra work!
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You will never cook another grilled cheese sandwich again after you try this one! It’s deliciously cheesy on the inside, and once you sink your teeth into that crispy outside, it is absolute perfection!
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The most crispy, delicious and simple Beer Battered Onion Rings you will ever taste. The best part is the lasting crunchy coating!
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The BEST Cornbread. With its buttery moist texture and crisp edges, I guarantee this is the best cornbread recipe you’ll try!
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Close up of baked potato with sour cream, cheese and bacon.
Learn how to make perfect slow cooker baked potatoes with minimal effort. Just season the potatoes with a bit of olive oil and salt, wrap in foil, and cook in the crockpot. Serve them with your favorite toppings like cheese and sour cream, or chili. Or, host a Baked Potato Bar.
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Baked tortilla chips on baking sheet.
These Baked Tortilla Chips are made using store-bought corn tortillas. Just cut them into wedges, season them with Mexican spices, spray with oil and bake for a perfectly crispy, dippable chip!
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Baked crostini on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Crostini are easy to make at home using just 3-ingredients – bread, olive oil and salt. This simple crostini recipe is the perfect appetizer for parties. You can make them ahead of time and serve them with a variety of toppings.
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Baked potato toppings on wooden tray.
There are so many delicious baked potato toppings to choose from! This extensive list of the 50+ BEST toppings includes meats, cheeses, veggies, sauces and more.
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COOKED DUCHESS POTATOES ON BAKING SHEET NEXT TO SPATULA.
Duchess Potatoes are a fancy piped potato side dish that must make an appearance at your next dinner party. Rich, creamy, and cheesy with just a subtle crisp, these elegant baked mashed potatoes are unlike anything else!
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Peppers with grill marks scattered on counter.
Learn how to make perfectly tender and blistered Grilled Bell Peppers at home! It’s one of the best and easiest side dishes you can add to burrito bowls, fajitas, or pair with grilled meats.
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Overhead shot of Mexican rice in white bowl topped with lime wedges.
Inspired by the flavors of the classic Mexican restaurant side dish, this Instant Pot Mexican Rice is perfect with enchiladas, fajitas, tacos, and more. It’s a foolproof recipe made entirely in your pressure cooker!
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These easy buttermilk biscuits are incredibly soft, tall, flaky, and buttery. Serve these with some jam or gravy for an easy breakfast!
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Air fryer wings in serving basket with blue cheese and celery sticks.
These Air Fryer Chicken Wings cook up amazingly crispy and juicy without deep frying. Then they’re tossed with a spicy buffalo wing sauce that can be made mild to hot, depending on your taste preference.
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Toasty, buttery, herby, covered in a dusting of salty parmesan cheese, piping hot and fresh out of the oven—our homemade garlic bread recipe is everything you’re craving right now, and then some.
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Prepared radicchio salad in grey bowl with serving utensils.
This delicious Italian Radicchio Salad is dressed in a creamy lemon-vinaigrette and tossed with buttery calvestrano olives, tasty breadcrumbs and nutty parmesan cheese. And, a special tip ensures that your radicchio won't be bitter!
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Overhead shot of baked potatoes topped with sour cream and chives.
Learn how to make Instant Pot Baked Potatoes with crispy skins! They cook in just 12 minutes in your pressure cooker. Then, finish them off under the broiler for perfect, crispy & salty skins. 
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Bowl of Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts with chopsticks.
Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and covered in a sweet and spicy kung pao sauce. Toss with roasted peanuts and red chilis for a crazy delicious spin on a classic roasted vegetable.
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Close up of green bean fries on baking sheet lined with parchment.
Crispy parmesan Green Bean Fries are baked in the oven for a healthy, delicious treat. Served up with three dipping sauces – green goddess, honey mustard & creamy sriracha. A secret ingredient makes them extra delicious! Air Fryer directions included. 
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Overhead shot of cherry tomato salad in grey bowl.
This Cherry Tomato Salad with Roasted Lemons is the perfect side dish. Sweet tomatoes combine with a tangy vinaigrette and delicious roasted lemons. 
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Air fried chicken tenders on serving tray with small bowl of ranch and lemon wedges.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders cook up golden & crispy on the outside, but juicy inside. The best part is they can be made in under 20 minutes with just 6-ingredients.
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Crispy smashed potatoes on black plate next to bowl of mojo sauce.
These Easy Smashed Potatoes with Mojo Sauce are the most delicious side dish! Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
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Hand holding stick of watermelon next to cut up melon.
This easy-to-follow watermelon cutting hack will show you How to Cut Watermelon Into Sticks and Cubes with almost no mess! Enjoy the sticks for snacking and the cubes in a salad. It’s the ultimate summer treat!
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Topping Ideas

How to Make Ahead and Store

Many of these chili con carne side dish recipes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or even in the freezer. Simply check the individual recipes for full storing instructions and details on how to make ahead. 

Did you Make Any of These Chili con Carne Side Dishes?

Please leave a comment and rating below, if you loved this round up of what to serve with chili con carne. Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

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More Side Dish Recipes

Collage of sides for chili con carne.

What to Serve with Chili con Carne: 45+ BEST Sides

Wondering what to serve with Chili con Carne? Here's 45+ great options. Find the perfect side dish here. Pair them with this this Beef Chili recipe! A hearty one-pot chili that’s rich, spicy and perfect for game day.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Created by Platings and Pairings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion (diced)
  • 1 Tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup beer (dark or light)
  • 1 15-ounce can kidney beans (undrained)
  • 1 14.5-ounce can can petite diced tomatoes (undrained)

Toppings

Instructions

Stove Top Directions

  • Cook ground beef and onion in a large pot on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until browned (about 4 minutes). Drain fat.
  • Stir in seasonings, beer, beans and tomatoes. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Slow Cooker Directions

  • In a large skillet, saute the ground beef and onion until browned. Drain the fat.
  • Add the ground beef and onion to your slow cooker and stir in the seasonings, beer, beans and tomatoes.
  • Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours. Enjoy with your favorite toppings!

Instant Pot Directions

  • Turn your instant pot to SAUTE.Once hot, brown ground beef with diced onions. Hit CANCEL.
  • Add in your liquid, beans, tomatoes and chili seasonings and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This is important–if you don’t scrape off the browned bits, the Instant Pot may not come to pressure. 
  • Cook on MANUAL high pressure for 20 minutes. Turn the knob to vent and quick release the pressure before removing the lid. Enjoy with your favorite toppings!

Notes

  • To Store: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • To Reheat: Gently reheat on the stove over medium-low heat until hot. You can also microwave the leftovers.
  • To Freeze:  I like to portion the leftover chili into freezer bags in individual serving sizes and place them on a cookie sheet to freeze.  Once frozen, I stack them in the freezer making for an easy individual lunch! You can freeze for up to 3 months.
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

Equipment

Large Pot
Slow Cooker optional
Instant Pot optional

Nutrition

Calories: 336kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 695mg | Potassium: 419mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 660IU | Vitamin C: 2.1mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 3.5mg

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