Are you planning a big party, a family reunion, or a tailgate that requires a hearty and flavorful dish to feed a crowd? Look no further! This five-gallon chili recipe is perfect for large gatherings, offering a delicious and satisfying meal everyone will love. It's a simple, yet impressive dish that's sure to be a hit, showcasing the best of homemade cooking and offering a delicious alternative to ordering in. This recipe makes a huge batch, perfect for feeding a crowd, saving you time and effort. Let's dive into this easy recipe for a healthy and satisfying chili!
Ingredients:
This recipe easily scales; you can adjust the quantities based on your needs. This recipe is written for a 5-gallon capacity, but you can easily half it or even quarter it for smaller gatherings.
- 10 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 5 large Onions, chopped
- 5 large Green Bell Peppers, chopped
- 5 (28 ounce) cans Crushed Tomatoes
- 5 (15 ounce) cans Tomato Sauce
- 5 (15 ounce) cans Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed
- 5 (15 ounce) cans Pinto Beans, drained and rinsed
- 10 cups Beef Broth
- 4 cups Chili Powder
- 2 cups Cumin
- 1 cup Paprika
- 1 cup Oregano
- 2 tablespoons Garlic Powder
- 2 tablespoons Onion Powder
- 1 tablespoon Cayenne Pepper (or more, to taste)
- 2 tablespoons Salt
- 2 tablespoons Black Pepper
- 2 cups Corn (optional)
Instructions:
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Brown the Beef: In large batches (you'll likely need to do this in stages in large stockpots or a commercial-sized cooker), brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. This step is crucial for building a rich flavor base for your chili.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onions and green bell peppers to the browned beef and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
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Combine Ingredients: In your large 5-gallon food-safe container (a large stockpot or food-grade bucket works well), combine the browned beef and vegetables with the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, pinto beans, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
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Simmer: Bring the chili to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for at least 3-4 hours, or even longer for a deeper, richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. Stir occasionally. Consider using a slow cooker for ultimate ease and flavor development, just ensure you have a slow cooker large enough!
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Add Corn (Optional): During the last 30 minutes of simmering, stir in the corn (if using).
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Serve & Enjoy: Serve your five-gallon chili hot, topped with your favorite chili toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, onions, or cilantro. This substantial chili is perfect for feeding a crowd and is a delicious option for your next get-together!
Tips and Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level of your chili. For a milder chili, reduce the amount or omit it altogether. For a spicier kick, add more!
- Meat Alternatives: Substitute ground turkey or vegetarian crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian chili.
- Beans: Feel free to experiment with different types of beans, such as black beans or chickpeas.
- Vegetables: Add other vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
- Make it Ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day! Make it ahead of time and reheat before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving - approximate, will vary based on serving size and ingredients):
This is a rough estimate and will vary based on your exact ingredients and serving size. It's always best to consult a nutrition calculator for precise figures. Expect a high-calorie, high-protein, and high-fiber meal.
- Calories: Approximately 350-450
- Protein: Approximately 25-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-40g
- Fiber: Approximately 10-15g
This five-gallon chili recipe is a perfect example of delicious and easy recipes that are ideal for large gatherings. Enjoy!