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Easy Ultimate Game Day Crockpot Chili

Easy Ultimate Game Day Crockpot Chili

Easy Ultimate Game Day Crockpot Chili is the perfect hands-off, crowd-pleasing dish that minimizes kitchen time and maximizes flavor, making it an essential recipe for any gathering. This flavorful and hearty chili is designed for maximum impact with minimal effort, ideal for busy hosts and hungry guests.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 or 90/10 recommended)
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (4 ounce) can green chilies, undrained
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning beef, optional)
  • shredded cheddar cheese Optional Topping
  • sour cream Optional Topping
  • chopped fresh cilantro Optional Topping
  • diced red onion Optional Topping
  • tortilla chips Optional Topping
  • sliced jalapeños Optional Topping

Equipment

  • Crockpot
  • Large skillet

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. If you prefer a true "dump and go" method, you can skip this step and add the raw ground beef directly to the crockpot.
    1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning beef, optional), 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 or 90/10 recommended)
  2. Transfer the browned ground beef (if used) to your slow cooker. Add the chopped yellow onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the crockpot. Stir in the minced garlic.
    2 pounds ground beef (80/20 or 90/10 recommended), 1 large yellow onion, chopped, 1 green bell pepper, chopped, 1 red bell pepper, chopped, 3 cloves garlic, minced
  3. Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes and the can of diced tomatoes (including their liquid). Add the rinsed and drained kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans. Stir in the can of green chilies, undrained.
    1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained, 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained, 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained, 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained, 1 (4 ounce) can green chilies, undrained
  4. Pour in the beef broth. Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
    1 cup beef broth, 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste), 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste), 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  5. Stir all the ingredients in the crockpot until well combined. Ensure everything is submerged in the liquid as much as possible.
  6. Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks on LOW, the more the flavors will meld together.
  7. Before serving, taste the chili and adjust seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper depending on your preference.
    1 teaspoon salt (or to taste), 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste), 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
  8. Ladle the hot chili into bowls. Serve with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced red onion, sliced jalapeños, or crunchy tortilla chips.
    shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, diced red onion, sliced jalapeños, tortilla chips

Notes

Properly storing and reheating your Easy Ultimate Game Day Crockpot Chili ensures you can enjoy its deliciousness long after the party is over.
Leftovers will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
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