{"id":96564,"date":"2018-01-01T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-09-15T01:13:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/origin-www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/chili-for-a-crowd\/"},"modified":"2025-02-06T08:21:57","modified_gmt":"2025-02-06T14:21:57","slug":"chili-for-a-crowd","status":"publish","type":"recipe","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/chili-for-a-crowd\/","title":{"rendered":"Chili for a Crowd"},"content":{"rendered":"
Autumn weather is bound to bring us three things: cooler temperatures, chili dinners and game-day gatherings. I’m here for all of it, especially when they come together in one cozy package\u2014like they do with this recipe. In our mega-meaty, mega-beany chili for a crowd, you can easily feed a group of hungry guests with little effort.<\/p>\n
This chili recipe for a crowd features savory chunks of ground beef and kielbasa, plenty of toothy, fiber-rich beans, and a base of tomatoes, barbecue sauce and lots of seasonings. This sweet, smoky chili tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. No one else has to know that it cooks up in just an hour.<\/p>\n
The quick cooking time, large batch size and general ease of preparation will make this chili recipe one that you can continue to whip out far beyond game day. The layers of flavor make it one of the best chili recipes<\/a> out there. Enjoy it as tailgating food<\/a>, as a cozy fall potluck idea<\/a>\u00a0and for all your year-round backyard parties<\/a>.<\/p>\n In an 8-quart stockpot or Dutch oven<\/a>, cook and crumble the beef over medium heat until it’s no longer pink, five to seven minutes. Drain off any grease.<\/p>\n Editor’s Tip:<\/em> Stir the beef occasionally as it browns, breaking up the meat into chunks and crumbles. Leave a few larger chunks in there for texture and chew throughout the chili.<\/p>\n Stir in the remaining ingredients and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook the chili for one hour, stirring occasionally.<\/p>\n Editor’s Tip:<\/em> This chili cooks quickly enough, but let it rest off the heat for a few minutes before serving it. It will be hot off the stovetop, and you don’t want anyone to burn their mouth on scorching tomatoes.<\/p>\n Call upon all the usual suspects for chili toppings. Since you’re feeding a crowd, set up bowls of toppings around a table so everyone can dress their bowl of chili the way they like it. Some things to include:<\/p>\n To store your chili, let it come to room temperature, but don’t leave it out for more than two hours. From there, you can store your chili in the fridge or freezer.<\/p>\n Your chili will last three to four days in the refrigerator. Keep it stored in an airtight container.<\/p>\n Yes, chili is a great candidate for freezing. Once the chili has cooled, transfer it to freezer-safe containers, and freeze it for two or three months.<\/p>\n Reheat your chili in a covered pot on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. You can also heat it in your microwave. Just be sure to use a splatter guard! If you’ve frozen the chili, first let it thaw in the refrigerator before reheating it.<\/p>\n You can, of course, prepare the recipe in full, then store it in the fridge or freezer, following the storage tips above.<\/p>\n Or, if you want to save the cooking for the day of, prepare all the ingredients except the ground beef in advance, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. When it’s time to cook, you’ll only need to brown the ground beef and dump in your container of chili ingredients.<\/p>\n Yes, you should rinse and drain your beans before cooking with them. The liquid in the cans is thick and cloudy and can contain large amounts of salt. Adding the bean liquid can negatively impact your chili’s flavor, texture and sodium content.<\/p>\n You sure can. First, brown the ground beef in a separate skillet, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for seven to nine hours or on high for five to six hours until the meat cooks through and the flavors meld.<\/p>\n Go big with your sides\u2014big batch, that is. Look for recipes that feed a large crowd, and which can be eaten without too many utensils. To complement the hearty bean-beef chili, choose a colorful vegetable dish, a starchy side and a fun dessert. We recommend broccoli casserole<\/a>, spoon bread<\/a>, Grandma’s biscuits<\/a>, banana cake<\/a>, fruit salsa<\/a> and carrot cookies<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" This sweet, smoky, robust chili for a crowd cooks up in just one hour and can feed dozens at once. Enjoy it with your favorite chili fixings and toppings.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7061,"featured_media":2108219,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"tags":[306700,307308,340641,305969,304328,305271,304993,304292,305487,304007,304338,304515,303966,307320,304988,340638,304408,304368,303887,306848,304297,304268,307307,305383,304458,305374,304558,324623,306699,304005,304560,303883,307614,304353],"categories-v2":[312680,310347,311685,340807,311683,308988,308319,308984,308481,309216,308940,308305,310796,308554,308992,308880,308495,310362,308935,340804,308813,308745,308478,309603,308308,259483,310342,309391,308865,309381,308910,309177,312672,308549,308915,308476,312893,312895,310591,340273,309005],"coauthors":[343535],"recommended_recipes":[{"post_title":"Chili with 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Chili","post_link":"\/recipes\/drive-thru-chili\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Drive-Thru-Chili_EXPS_CR22_268740_DR_04_21_1b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Steak & Beer Chili","post_link":"\/recipes\/steak-beer-chili\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Steak-Beer-Chili_EXPS_SSMZ20_86799_E10_08_2b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Hearty Tex-Mex Chili","post_link":"\/recipes\/hearty-tex-mex-chili\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Hearty-Tex-Mex-Chili_exps86583_CW1996972B10_18_2bC_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Chili Casserole","post_link":"\/recipes\/chili-casserole\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps4199_CW0911C37.jpg"},{"post_title":"Chili Burgers","post_link":"\/recipes\/chili-burgers\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps2067_TH0543C19.jpg"},{"post_title":"Chili Dogs","post_link":"\/recipes\/chili-dogs\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps159_TH2027C11.jpg"},{"post_title":"Quick 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Crowd","datePublished":"2018-01-01","dateModified":"2025-02-06","prepTime":"PT25M","cookTime":"PT60M","totalTime":"PT01H25M","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Chili-for-a-Crowd_EXPS_TOHD24_1666_ChristineMa_9.jpg","height":1200,"width":1200},"recipeCategory":["Dinner","Lunch"],"description":"Chili for a crowd is exactly what you need for game day, potlucks and other fun gatherings. Hearty, meaty and filled with smoky, sweet and umami flavors, it's a real crowd-pleaser.","recipeIngredient":["3 pounds ground beef","2 cans (28 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained","4 cans (16 ounces each) kidney beans or 4 cans (15 ounces each) pinto beans or black beans, rinsed and drained","1 pound smoked kielbasa, sliced and halved","2 large onions, halved and thinly sliced","2 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce","2\/3 cup hickory-flavored barbecue sauce","1-1\/2 cups water","1\/2 cup packed brown sugar","5 fresh banana peppers, seeded and sliced","2 tablespoons chili powder","2 teaspoons ground mustard","2 teaspoons instant coffee granules","1 teaspoon each dried oregano, thyme and sage","1\/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper","1\/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes","2 garlic cloves, minced"],"recipeInstructions":[{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Brown the beef","text":"In an 8-quart stockpot or Dutch oven, cook and crumble the beef over medium heat until it's no longer pink, five to seven minutes. Drain off any grease. Editor's Tip: Stir the beef occasionally as it browns, breaking up the meat into chunks and crumbles. Leave a few larger chunks in there for texture and chew throughout the chili.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Chili-for-a-Crowd_TOHD24_1666_ChristineMa_1.jpg"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Add the remaining ingredients","text":"Stir in the remaining ingredients and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook the chili for one hour, stirring occasionally. Editor's Tip: This chili cooks quickly enough, but let it rest off the heat for a few minutes before serving it. It will be hot off the stovetop, and you don't want anyone to burn their mouth on scorching tomatoes.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Chili-for-a-Crowd_TOHD24_1666_ChristineMa_2.jpg"}],"recipeYield":"24 servings (6 quarts)","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Kim Wehby"}],"nutrition":{"@type":"NutritionInformation","calories":" 207 calories","fatContent":"11g fat (4g saturated fat)","cholesterolContent":"40mg cholesterol","sodiumContent":"422mg sodium","carbohydrateContent":"13g carbohydrate (8g sugars","fiberContent":"3g fiber)","proteinContent":"15g protein. "},"aggregateRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":4.7777777,"reviewCount":9,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5},"recipeCuisine":"North America, Mexican","review":[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2016-07-05","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"RedLeaf"},"reviewBody":"Great recipe. Tried it when needing to cook for a large group of college students. Varied it up by subbing salami for kielbasa, pre-cooked soy beans for canned kidney beans, a pint of stout beer for water, doubled the coffee, tripled the cayenne pepper and added 1 heaping tbsp chili powder in place of pepper flakes. Turned out sweeter than I expected but it was enjoyed by all.Only recommendation would be to change serving size. For a group of college kids I'd say this'd feed maybe 10-15 comfortably. Adding loaves of bread on the side, 1.5x this recipe should be enough for 20 people. Still, great recipe, thanks Lisa!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2019-02-14","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"OliveCloud"},"reviewBody":"The absolute best and easiest to make recipe for chili I have ever tried. It is now my most requested recipe!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2021-01-04","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"GreenDog"},"reviewBody":"I\u2019ve been trying so many chili recipes to find one that we love. This one finally did it. We loved it. Has fantastic flavour, not the standard bland chili like so many other recipes. This one is a keeper. I halved the recipe and it\u2019s perfect for two full meals for two men. Serve with garlic toast. It\u2019s awesome.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2019-11-11","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"BlueChilli"},"reviewBody":"Interesting flavors and well received by group but very sweet. I will make again but leave out the brown sugar.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":3,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2015-11-19","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"GoldWeights"},"reviewBody":"I looked for a chili recipe for a large crowd and found this one. Made it for a group of 32 men. I received very good compliments on this chili, so it is definitely a keeper.I doubled the recipe for this group and it wasn't quite enough. Guys like \"seconds\" and though several guys got seconds, more would have had there been more chili. The serving size of 1 cup is too small, in my opinion. It takes 2 cups to have a nice bowlful.We enjoyed this recipe just as it is and will make it again, but next time will be more careful to make enough. Thanks Lisa for sharing this recipe.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2015-02-05","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"OrangePlane"},"reviewBody":"Made this recipe for an open house over a year ago....We are hosting another one and people are asking if I'll be making that chili again. Definately a keeper and more then enough to go around!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2019-12-08","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"BlueFish"},"reviewBody":"My group really liked it. They also noted the sweetness but I don't think they were opposed to it.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2011-01-18","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"GreenGoggles"},"reviewBody":"I made this recipe with a few of my own additions and won first place in a chli contest! It has so many layers of flavor, you won't ever get tired of eating this chili.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}}]},"video":{"data":{"status":204},"message":"No shortcode found in recipe"},"rms_legacy_id":"1666","romance_copy_dek":"Chili for a crowd is exactly what you need for game day, potlucks and other fun gatherings. Hearty, meaty and filled with smoky, sweet and umami flavors, it's a real crowd-pleaser.","enhanced_recipe_title":"Chili for a Crowd","rms_legacy_data":{"RecipeCategories":null,"Ingredients":[{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"3 pounds ground beef","IngredientText":"3 pounds ground beef"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"2 cans (28 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained","IngredientText":"2 cans (28 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"4 cans (16 ounces each) kidney beans or 4 cans (15 ounces each) pinto beans or black beans, rinsed and drained","IngredientText":"4 cans (16 ounces each) kidney beans or 4 cans (15 ounces each) pinto beans or black beans, rinsed and drained"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 pound smoked kielbasa, sliced and halved","IngredientText":"1 pound smoked kielbasa, sliced and halved"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"2 large onions, halved and thinly sliced","IngredientText":"2 large onions, halved and thinly sliced"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"2 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce","IngredientText":"2 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"2\/3 cup hickory-flavored barbecue sauce","IngredientText":"2\/3 cup hickory-flavored barbecue sauce"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1-1\/2 cups water","IngredientText":"1-1\/2 cups water"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/2 cup packed brown sugar","IngredientText":"1\/2 cup packed brown sugar"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"5 fresh banana peppers, seeded and sliced","IngredientText":"5 fresh banana peppers, seeded and sliced"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"2 tablespoons chili powder","IngredientText":"2 tablespoons chili powder"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"2 teaspoons ground mustard","IngredientText":"2 teaspoons ground mustard"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"2 teaspoons instant coffee granules","IngredientText":"2 teaspoons instant coffee granules"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 teaspoon each dried oregano, thyme and sage","IngredientText":"1 teaspoon each dried oregano, thyme and sage"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper","IngredientText":"1\/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes","IngredientText":"1\/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"2 garlic cloves, minced","IngredientText":"2 garlic cloves, minced"}],"FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/Chili-for-a-Crowd_EXPS_TOHD24_1666_ChristineMa_9.jpg","RecipeId":1666,"AttachmentSourceId":null,"AttachmentSource":"Christine Ma for Taste Recipes","PhotoCredit":"Chili for a Crowd Recipe photo by Christine Ma for Taste Recipes","VideoCode":null,"RecipeAttachmentFileName":"Chili-for-a-Crowd_EXPS_TOHD24_1666_ChristineMa_9.jpg","ContributorId":null,"Firstname":"Lisa","Lastname":"Humphreys","City":"Wasilla","StateDescription":"Alaska","IsCommunityCook":false,"TimeCallout":"Prep: 25 min. Cook: 1 hour","MinimumServingQuantity":24,"MaximumServingQuantity":24,"Yield":"24 servings (6 quarts).","DigitalTitle":"Chili for a Crowd","SubmittedTitle":"Chili for a Crowd","RecipeTypeId":1,"AverageRating":4.78,"WebPublishedDate":"1\/1\/2018 12:00:00 AM","ContestPlacementId":null,"FbImage":"FB_CPLBZ19_1666_B11_01_6b.jpg","PreparationTimeInMinutes":25,"CookTimeInMinutes":60,"TotalTimeInMinutes":85,"ServingDescription":null,"IsTestKitchenCertified":true,"IsContestWinner":true,"IsCommunityRecipe":false,"PublishedProjectTitle":"Chili for a Crowd","OriginalSourceProject":"Chili for a Crowd","ContestPlacement":"Runner-Up","Trailer":"Ingredients for Chili for a Crowd<\/h2>\n
\n
Directions<\/h2>\n
Step 1: Brown the beef<\/h3>\n
Christine Ma for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Step 2: Add the remaining ingredients<\/h3>\n
Christine Ma for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Christine Ma for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Chili for a Crowd Variations<\/h2>\n
\n
Toppings for Big-Batch Chili<\/h2>\n
\n
How to Store Chili for a Crowd<\/h2>\n
Christine Ma for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
How long does chili last?<\/h3>\n
Can you freeze chili?<\/h3>\n
How do you reheat chili?<\/h3>\n
Can you make chili for a crowd in advance?<\/h3>\n
Chili for a Crowd Tips<\/h2>\n
Christine Ma for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Should you rinse canned beans before adding them to chili?<\/h3>\n
Can you make chili for a crowd in a slow cooker?<\/h3>\n
What can you serve with chili for a crowd?<\/h3>\n
Test Kitchen Tips<\/b>\r\nChili for a Crowd Tips <\/h2>