a huge pot of chili at home—perfect for feeding a crowd or having leftovers for the week! Here’s a hearty, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s flavorful, spicy, and comforting.
Ingredients (Serves 8–12)
Meat & Beans:
- 2 lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
Vegetables & Base:
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (28 oz each) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth (or water for thinner chili)
Seasonings:
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Optional: pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder for depth
Toppings (Optional):
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Sliced jalapeños
- Chopped green onions
- Tortilla chips or cornbread on the side
Instructions
1. Brown the Meat
- In a very large pot or Dutch oven, cook ground beef and sausage over medium-high heat until browned.
- Drain excess fat.
2. Sauté Veggies
- Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened.
3. Add Tomatoes & Beans
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth.
- Add drained beans.
4. Season
- Add chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Optional: a pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder adds a subtle, rich depth.
5. Simmer
- Bring chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- For extra flavor, let it simmer uncovered the last 30 minutes to thicken.
6. Adjust & Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings and sides.
💡 Tips for a Crowd-Pleasing Chili:
- Make ahead: Chili tastes even better the next day—flavors deepen.
- Texture balance: Use some mashed beans for creaminess, leave some whole for bite.
- Spice control: Start mild and let guests add cayenne, hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños.
- Freezer-friendly: This recipe freezes beautifully—perfect for meal prep.