Whether you’re preparing for a large family gathering, a potluck, or simply want a freezer-friendly meal prep option, this HUGE pot of chili will satisfy everyone! Packed with hearty ingredients, bold spices, and rich flavors, this chili is perfect for feeding a crowd or storing leftovers. Plus, it’s customizable to suit your taste buds.
Ingredients
Protein:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork or sausage (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 lb stew beef or chuck roast, cubed (optional, for texture variation)
Vegetables:
- 2 medium onions, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and diced (adjust for heat preference)
Beans:
- 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
Tomato Base:
- 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
Liquids:
- 4 cups beef broth or water
- 1 cup beer (optional, for depth of flavor)
Spices:
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
- 2 teaspoons salt (plus more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (for a rich flavor boost)
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (for extra heat)
For Garnish:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Sliced jalapeños
- Tortilla chips or cornbread