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Big Pot of Chili. Cheap party food for a crowd

Big Pot of Chili

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Makes 20 servings

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds ground beef 80/20
  • 2 large yellow onions diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 15-ounce cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 15-ounce cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 28-ounce cans crushed tomatoes
  • 1 6-ounce can tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons salt plus more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • Shredded cheddar sour cream and sliced green onion for serving

Instructions

  • Set a large stockpot (at least 8-quart) over medium-high heat and add the ground beef and diced onion.
  • Break up the beef with a wooden spoon and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no pink remains and the onion has softened.
  • Drain excess grease from the pot, leaving about 1 tablespoon behind for flavor.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
  • Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt and pepper, and stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices against the hot pan.
  • Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans and beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  • Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
  • Check for doneness: the chili is ready when it has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon and the beans are tender.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or chili powder as needed.
  • Ladle into a slow cooker or large pot set over low heat for serving, and set out bowls of shredded cheddar, sour cream and green onion alongside.

Good to Know

Make the chili up to three days ahead; it tastes better on day two once the spices settle, and it also freezes well in a labeled bag for up to three months.