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Easy Potluck Chili for a Crowd

A close-up of a steaming bowl of delicious potluck chili, featuring ground beef, kidney beans, and red peppers.
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A hearty and flavorful beef and bean chili perfect for potlucks, game days, or any large gathering. This recipe is designed for ease and can be made ahead.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs ground beef
  • 2 large yellow onions, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
  • 2 (15 ounce) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1/4 cup chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off excess fat.
  2. Add chopped onions to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Add crushed tomatoes, drained and rinsed beans (kidney, black, and pinto), and beef broth to the pot.
  5. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), oregano, salt, and black pepper.
  6. Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. For best flavor, simmer for 2-3 hours.
  7. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  8. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • This chili freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers and freezing for up to 3 months.
  • For a slow cooker version, brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic on the stovetop first. Then, combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  • Consider setting up a topping bar with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, jalapeños, and tortilla chips for guests to customize their bowls.
  • This recipe can be easily scaled up or down depending on the size of your gathering.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastethisplate.com/potluck-chili-for-a-crowd/