Chili For A Crowd
A hearty, flavorful chili perfect for feeding a large crowd, featuring beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown hamburger and diced onion in a large kettle or roaster, then drain and mash.
- Place the cooked mixture in a large kettle or roaster.
- Add diced celery, tomato soup, mashed whole tomatoes, tomato juice, kidney beans, salt, pepper, chili powder, and sugar to the meat mixture.
- Mix all ingredients well.
- Stir occasionally and cook on medium heat until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier chili, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or use canned diced tomatoes instead of whole for a chunkier texture. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the hamburger with a mix of lentils and additional beans. Always taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili with cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with Festive Make-Ahead Pasta Salad for a complete spread at gatherings. You can also serve it with tortilla chips for a fun twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the chili in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili For A Crowd contains roughly 3578 calories, with 193g protein, 517g carbohydrates, and 91g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (540% of the Daily Value), protein (387% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
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 is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can prepare it a day or two in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and simply reheat it when ready to serve.
What can I do if my chili is too thick?
If your chili turns out thicker than desired, simply add more tomato juice or broth to reach your preferred consistency. Stir it in gradually while heating, and let it simmer until warmed through. Adjust seasoning if necessary after adding liquid.
Can I customize the beans in this recipe?
Certainly! While kidney beans are traditional, you can mix in black beans, pinto beans, or white beans for variety. Just ensure that the beans are cooked or canned to reduce the cooking time. This flexibility allows you to tailor the chili to your taste preferences.
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).