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Hearty Tailgate Chili Recipe for Crowds

hearty tailgate chili recipe for crowds - featured image

A rich, smoky chili perfect for feeding a crowd at tailgates or parties, loaded with bold flavors, tender beans, and a balanced spice level that satisfies both kids and adults.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 pound chorizo sausage, casing removed and crumbled
  • 2 large yellow onions, diced
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium green bell peppers, diced
  • 3 cans kidney beans (15 oz each), drained and rinsed
  • 2 cans black beans (15 oz each), drained and rinsed
  • 4 cans diced tomatoes (14.5 oz each), fire-roasted preferred
  • 2 cans tomato paste (6 oz each)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons cumin
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground coffee (brewed or instant)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (start with 2 teaspoons salt)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, jalapeños, fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ingredients by dicing onions and green peppers, mincing garlic, and rinsing kidney and black beans under cold water.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and crumbled chorizo. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving a little for flavor.
  3. Add diced onions, green peppers, and minced garlic to the pot. Stir and cook until softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cocoa powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to toast the spices. Add tomato paste and mix well.
  5. Pour in diced tomatoes with juices, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Stir to combine thoroughly.
  6. Bring chili to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover with lid slightly ajar. Simmer for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors meld. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Just before serving, stir in brewed coffee or instant coffee granules. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Notes

If chili tastes flat, add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lime to brighten flavors. Do not rush simmering; low and slow cooking develops deep flavors. For vegetarian version, replace meats with extra beans and veggies, and use vegetable broth. For slow cooker method, brown meat and sauté veggies first, then cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili, tailgate chili, crowd recipe, hearty chili, game day recipe, beef chili, chorizo chili, easy chili, party food