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Savory Game Day Chili Bar: 15 Easy Toppings for a Crowd

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This hearty chili bar features a rich, beef-and-bean chili base and a colorful array of 15 easy toppings, perfect for feeding a crowd on game day. Customizable, comforting, and guaranteed to please guests of all ages.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20, or substitute ground turkey)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (12 oz) bottle beer (optional, or substitute beef broth)
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons salt (more to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Diced red onions
  • Sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Crushed tortilla chips or Fritos
  • Avocado slices or guacamole
  • Sliced black olives
  • Corn kernels (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • Hot sauce
  • Lime wedges
  • Crumbled bacon
  • Chopped green onions
  • Pepper jack cheese (shredded)
  • Crispy fried onions

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion, mince garlic, and chop green and red bell peppers. Set aside.
  2. Heat a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking apart, until browned (about 8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped peppers to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, oregano, cocoa powder, salt, black pepper, and tomato paste. Mix well and let spices bloom for 1 minute.
  5. Pour in beer (or beef broth) and scrape any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for 2 minutes.
  6. Add crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and brown sugar. Stir well.
  7. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let chili simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally. (20 minutes if short on time, but longer is better.)
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili powder if needed. Add water or broth if chili is too thick.
  9. While chili simmers, prep toppings: shred cheeses, dice onions, slice jalapeños, chop cilantro, and arrange all toppings in serving bowls.
  10. Ladle chili into bowls and let guests add their favorite toppings.

Notes

For a smoky twist, use fire-roasted tomatoes. To make vegetarian, skip the meat and use extra beans or plant-based crumbles. For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free beer and chips. Chili tastes even better the next day. Add a splash of vinegar or lime before serving to brighten flavors. Mash some beans for thicker chili, or add broth for thinner consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili bar, game day, crowd, easy chili, toppings, party food, tailgate, comfort food, beef chili, beans, customizable, potluck, football, slow cooker, make ahead

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/savory-game-day-chili-bar-15-easy-toppings-for-a-crowd/