🌶️ HUGE POT of Chilli
📝 Description
This Huge Pot of Chilli is a hearty, comforting, and crowd-pleasing one-pot meal packed with rich spices, tender meat, beans, and tomatoes. Perfect for feeding a large group, meal prepping for the week, or freezing for later, this chilli delivers deep flavor that only gets better with time. It’s versatile, customizable, and ideal for cold days, game nights, or family gatherings.
🍲 Ingredients (Large Batch – About 12–14 Servings)
Main Ingredients
-
4 lb (1.8 kg) ground beef (or half beef, half pork)
-
3 large onions, diced
-
2 green bell peppers, diced
-
2 red bell peppers, diced
-
2 jalapeños, minced (optional)
-
10 cloves garlic, minced
-
4 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
-
2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
-
4 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained & rinsed
-
2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained & rinsed
-
2 cups beef broth
Seasonings & Spices
-
6 tbsp chilli powder
-
3 tbsp ground cumin
-
2 tbsp smoked paprika
-
1 tbsp oregano
-
2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
-
2 tbsp salt (or to taste)
-
2 tsp black pepper
-
2 tbsp brown sugar (balances acidity)
-
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
-
2 tbsp olive oil
🔥 Instructions
-
Brown the Meat
Heat olive oil in a very large pot or stockpot over medium-high heat. Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up well. Drain excess fat if needed. -
Sauté the Vegetables
Add onions, bell peppers, and jalapeños. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant. -
Build the Base
Add chilli powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat everything in spices. -
Add Tomatoes & Beans
Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Stir thoroughly. -
Simmer
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 1½–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until thick and rich. -
Taste & Adjust
Adjust seasoning, salt, and heat level as needed.
👩🍳 Notes
-
Chilli tastes even better the next day
-
Thickness can be adjusted with extra broth or longer simmering
-
Works perfectly in a slow cooker after browning meat
💡 Tips for the Best Chilli
-
Toast spices briefly before adding liquids for deeper flavor
-
Use smoked paprika or chipotle powder for smoky notes
-
Add a splash of coffee, dark chocolate, or beer for depth
-
Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months
🍽️ Servings
-
12–14 hearty servings
-
Ideal for parties, meal prep, or large families
🥗 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
-
Calories: 480 kcal
-
Protein: 32 g
-
Fat: 24 g
-
Carbohydrates: 35 g
-
Fiber: 10 g
-
Sugar: 8 g
-
Sodium: 850 mg
(Values vary based on ingredients used)
❤️ Health Benefits
-
High in protein for muscle repair and satiety
-
Beans provide fiber for digestion
-
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, supporting heart health
-
Spices may boost metabolism and reduce inflammation
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes! Replace meat with lentils, mushrooms, or extra beans and use vegetable broth.
Q: How spicy is it?
A: Medium heat. Adjust cayenne and jalapeños to your preference.
Q: Can I freeze this chilli?
A: Absolutely. Freeze for up to 3 months in airtight containers.
Q: What toppings go best?
A: Shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, avocado, tortilla chips, or cornbread.
Q: Can I cook it in a slow cooker?
A: Yes—brown meat first, then cook on LOW for 6–8 hours.