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Best Crockpot Football Chili for a Crowd

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A hearty, hands-off chili perfect for game day, made in the slow cooker with ground beef, beans, and a rich spice blend. Set it and forget it while you enjoy the party.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds ground beef (80/20)
  • 2 large yellow onions, diced
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1–2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (15-ounce) can beef broth
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
  • Sour cream (for topping)
  • Diced red onion (for topping)
  • Fresh cilantro (for topping)
  • Pickled jalapeños (for topping)
  • Sliced avocado (for topping)
  • Tortilla chips (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned all over. Season generously with salt and pepper. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to the slow cooker, leaving about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the skillet.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onions to the skillet with the reserved drippings. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne (if using) to the skillet. Stir constantly for 30-60 seconds to bloom the spices.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it darkens slightly.
  5. Pour about 1/2 cup of the beef broth into the skillet and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker with the beef.
  6. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, remaining beef broth, kidney beans, and pinto beans to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
  7. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chili is thick and bubbling.
  8. Stir the chili, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and serve with desired toppings.

Notes

Don’t skip browning the beef—it adds deep flavor. Season in layers for best results. For a thicker chili, mash some beans against the side of the pot or stir in a cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and cook for 15 more minutes. Chili tastes even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chili, football chili, game day chili, slow cooker chili, chili for a crowd, ground beef chili

Find it online: https://bakebeam.com/best-crockpot-football-chili-for-a-crowd/