Chili For 25 People
A hearty and flavorful chili packed with ground beef, tomatoes, and spices, perfect for feeding a crowd and satisfying spice lovers with its bold taste.
Ingredients
- 5 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 lb. onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 lb. green peppers, diced ⓘ
- 5 cans (1 lb. 12 oz.) crushed tomatoes ⓘ
- 4 cans (1 lb. 12 oz.) diced tomatoes or tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons salt ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons pepper ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook and drain ground beef; cook onions and green peppers and save the juice.
- In a large pot or bowl, mix all ingredients including beef, vegetables, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and spices.
- Rinse kidney beans and add to the mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a large baking pan or roaster and cover.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour and 15 minutes until hot and done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of smoked paprika. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or tempeh. Adjust the level of heat by varying the amount of cayenne pepper and chili powder based on your preference. Keep an eye on the consistency; if it's too thick, adding a bit of broth can help.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chili with cornbread or over rice for a satisfying meal. Toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions add extra flavor. It also pairs beautifully with Lynda'S Full Meal Deal for a complete spread. Consider offering tortilla chips on the side for added crunch and texture.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer bags for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then heat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if necessary to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili For 25 People contains roughly 347 calories, with 22g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (265% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (90% of the Daily Value), and protein (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. At about 347 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! Chili actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day in advance, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving, and it will be just as delicious.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you're looking for a vegetarian alternative, try using black beans or kidney beans, combined with diced vegetables for a hearty texture.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To make the chili milder, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and chili powder. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese when serving to balance the heat. For those who enjoy more spice, consider adding jalapeños or hot sauce to enhance the flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).