🫕 Big-Batch Hearty Chili (Very Large Pot)
🛒 Ingredients
Meat
- 5 lb (2.2 kg) ground beef (or half beef / half ground turkey)
- 1 lb (450 g) beef chuck, cubed (optional but adds depth)
Beans
- 4 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained & rinsed
- 4 cans (15 oz each) pinto beans, drained & rinsed
- 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained & rinsed
Vegetables
- 4 large onions, diced
- 4 bell peppers, chopped
- 4 jalapeños, minced (optional)
- 2 large carrots, diced (optional, for sweetness)
- 12 cloves garlic, minced
Tomatoes
- 6 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
- 2 cans (6 oz each) tomato paste
Liquids
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water (add more if needed)
Seasonings (BIG FLAVOR)
- 6 tbsp chili powder
- 3 tbsp ground cumin
- 3 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp oregano
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder or dark chocolate (secret weapon)
- 1 tbsp cayenne (adjust to heat level)
- 2 tbsp salt (adjust later)
- 1½ tbsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (balances acidity)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Optional Extras
- 2 cups corn
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (smoky style)
- 1–2 cups dark beer (replace part of broth)
🔥 Instructions
1. Brown the Meat
In an extra-large stockpot, brown the ground beef and cubed chuck in batches over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat but keep some for flavor.
2. Build the Base
Add onions, bell peppers, carrots, jalapeños, and garlic. Cook 8–10 minutes until soft and fragrant.
3. Tomato Time
Stir in tomato paste and cook 2 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, and beer (if using).
4. Season Like You Mean It
Add all spices, cocoa powder, and brown sugar. Stir very well.
5. Beans & Extras
Add all beans and corn (if using). Mix gently.
6. Simmer LOW & SLOW
Bring to a light boil, then reduce to low.
Simmer 2–3 hours, stirring every 20–30 minutes.
👉 Taste near the end and adjust salt, spice, or sweetness.
🧀 Best Toppings (Go Big)
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Cornbread or tortilla chips
❄️ Storage
- Fridge: up to 5 days
- Freezer: 3 months
- Tastes EVEN BETTER the next day 🔥
