Thick and Chunky Crock Pot Game Day Chili

The roar of the crowd, the smack of pads, and the smell of… chili. For me, football season isn’t just about touchdowns and rivalries; it’s inextricably linked to simmering pots of chili, shared laughter, and the warm, comforting feeling of coming together with friends and family. I can still picture my grandfather, ladle in hand, beaming as he served up his legendary chili, a recipe whispered down through generations. This Crock Pot Game Day Chili, while not exactly his, captures that same spirit of hearty, flavorful simplicity that makes game day so special.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low, or 4-5 hours on high
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: About 8 cups
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free (check labels on diced tomatoes and tomato sauce)

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 3/4″- 1-inch pieces
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup finely crushed corn tortilla chips (such as Tostitos, measure AFTER crushing)
• 3 (15 ounce) cans kidney beans, drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 – 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 -2 teaspoons cumin (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 – 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar

Equipment Needed

• Crock Pot (slow cooker)
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Can opener

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing your ingredients. Cut the beef stew meat into roughly 3/4 to 1-inch pieces. A helpful trick: partially freezing the meat for about 30 minutes makes it easier to cut into even pieces.
2. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Dice the green bell pepper into small pieces.
3. Crush the corn tortilla chips. You can use a food processor for this, or simply place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Make sure you measure after crushing to get the correct amount.
4. Open and drain the three cans of kidney beans.
5. Now, it’s time to assemble the chili in your crock pot. In the order listed, add the beef stew meat, onion, garlic, green bell pepper, crushed corn tortilla chips, drained kidney beans, undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, cinnamon, chili powder, cumin, ground coriander, pepper, salt, and sugar.
6. Gently stir all the ingredients together in the crock pot until they are well combined.
7. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for approximately 4-5 hours. Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker, so check for doneness around the 4-hour mark on high or 6-hour mark on low. The meat should be tender and easily shredded with a fork.
8. Once the chili is cooked, give it a good stir to ensure everything is evenly distributed. This will also help to thicken it further.
9. Serve hot, topped with your favorite chili garnishes such as sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Browning the Beef: For an even deeper flavor, consider browning the beef stew meat in a skillet before adding it to the crock pot. Just sear it in batches with a little oil until browned on all sides, then add it to the slow cooker.
• Spice Level Adjustment: This recipe offers a range for the chili powder and cumin. Start with the lower amount and taste as it cooks. You can always add more towards the end to achieve your desired level of spiciness.
• Thickening the Chili: If you prefer a thicker chili, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water to the crock pot during the last hour of cooking. Stir it in well and let it simmer to thicken. Also, don’t be alarmed by the corn chips, they break down and are used as a thickening agent.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare all the ingredients the night before and store them in the crock pot (without cooking) in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply place the crock pot into the cooker and set it to your desired cooking time and temperature.
• Using Ground Beef: If you don’t have stew meat, you can substitute ground beef. Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain off any excess grease before adding it to the crock pot.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve your Thick and Chunky Crock Pot Game Day Chili hot, in bowls, garnished with your favorite toppings. Some popular choices include:

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped green onions
• A dollop of guacamole
• A sprinkle of fresh cilantro
• A drizzle of hot sauce

Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, up to 2-3 months. To reheat, simply microwave it until heated through, or simmer it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	374 kcal	–
Calories from Fat	–	–
Total Fat	7.3 g	11%
Saturated Fat	2.6 g	13%
Cholesterol	72.6 mg	24%
Sodium	1132.1 mg	47%
Total Carbohydrate	41.2 g	13%
Dietary Fiber	13.8 g	55%
Sugars	9 g	–
Protein	37.6 g	–

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian Chili: Substitute the beef stew meat with 2-3 cups of your favorite vegetables, such as diced sweet potatoes, zucchini, or corn. You can also add a can of black beans or pinto beans for extra protein.
• Spicy Chili: For a spicier chili, add a chopped jalapeño pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the crock pot.
• White Chicken Chili: Replace the beef stew meat with cooked, shredded chicken and use white beans instead of kidney beans.
• Different Beans: Feel free to experiment with different types of beans, such as black beans, pinto beans, or cannellini beans.
• Smoked Paprika: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
• Beer Chili: Add a bottle of dark beer for a depth of flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef stew meat?
A: Yes, you can definitely use ground turkey. Brown it in a skillet and drain off any excess fat before adding it to the crock pot.

Q: Do I have to use corn tortilla chips? What if I don’t have any?
A: The corn tortilla chips act as a thickening agent. If you don’t have any, you can substitute with a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water, or simply leave them out – the chili will still be delicious, just slightly thinner.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to the chili?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers of different colors.

Q: How do I prevent the chili from burning in the crock pot?
A: Make sure there is enough liquid in the crock pot. The diced tomatoes and tomato sauce should provide enough moisture, but you can add a little beef broth or water if needed. Also, avoid lifting the lid too often, as this can release heat and moisture.

Q: Can I make this chili on the stovetop?
A: Yes, you can. Brown the beef (if using) in a large pot or Dutch oven, then add the remaining ingredients. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender, stirring occasionally.

Final Thoughts

This Thick and Chunky Crock Pot Game Day Chili is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to gather, share, and savor the simple joys of life. I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own. Adjust the spices to your liking, experiment with different toppings, and most importantly, enjoy the process of creating a delicious meal for yourself and your loved ones. Whether you’re cheering on your favorite team or simply looking for a comforting and satisfying meal, this chili is sure to be a winner. Don’t hesitate to leave a comment below with your own tips and variations – I’d love to hear how you make this recipe your own! Perhaps pair it with a crusty loaf of bread or a refreshing side salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!