Description
Game Day Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for football gatherings or any occasion that calls for comfort food. Made with lean ground beef or turkey, kidney and black beans, and a blend of classic chili spices, this recipe simmers on the stovetop to develop rich, deep flavors. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and can be customized with toppings like shredded cheese and sour cream for an extra celebratory touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
Beans
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
Tomatoes and Sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
Spices
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Brown Meat: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed to keep the chili lean.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced green bell pepper to the pot. Cook together for about 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add Spices: Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper if using, and salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well to coat the meat and vegetables evenly with the spices.
- Add Beans and Tomatoes: Pour in the drained kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients in the pot.
- Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow flavors to meld.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste your chili and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt or spices. Serve hot and garnish with favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a thicker chili, simmer longer or mash some beans with a spoon to release their starches.
- Feel free to add corn, jalapeños, or swap ground beef for spicy sausage to enhance flavor.
- This chili can be prepared ahead of time and freezes well, making it convenient for meal prep or big gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
