Name: Game Day Crockpot Chili Crowd-Pleasing Favorite
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 25 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended); 1 large yellow onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 2 (14.5 oz) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes; 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce; 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium); 3 tbsp chili powder; 1 tbsp ground cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: 1-2 tsp hot sauce or cayenne (for heat lovers)

This Game Day Crockpot Chili is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, packed with bold flavors, tender meat, and hearty beans. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s a stress-free, one-pot wonder that warms the soul. Ideal for tailgates, watch parties, or cozy gatherings, this chili delivers smoky, spicy goodness that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Recipe Tips and Tricks:

Brown the meat beforehand for deeper flavor—don’t skip this step!
Use a liner in your crockpot for easy cleanup.

Taste and adjust seasoning halfway through cooking to suit your crowd.
For thicker chili, mash some beans and stir them in near the end.
Set up a toppings bar—think cheese, sour cream, and jalapeños—for extra fun.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This chili is a game-changer for any gathering. Its rich, robust flavors meld together effortlessly in the crockpot, making it a low-effort dish that tastes like you’ve been slaving away all day. Whether you’re feeding a rowdy game-day crew or just craving comfort food, this recipe shines with its versatility and warmth. The smoky undertones, customizable heat, and hearty texture make it a guaranteed hit. Plus, the aroma wafting through your home will have everyone asking for the recipe—it’s that good!

Yield: Serves 8

Game Day Crockpot Chili Crowd-Pleasing Favorite

A smoky, spicy crockpot chili perfect for game day, loaded with beef, beans, and bold flavors everyone loves.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 6 hours

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 6 hours 25 minutes

Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended)

1 large yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 (14.5 oz) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

1 cup beef broth (low-sodium)
3 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp ground cumin

1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: 1-2 tsp hot sauce or cayenne (for heat lovers)

Instructions

Hey, chili champs! Let’s make this Game Day Crockpot Chili a total touchdown. Start by grabbing a skillet—heat it over medium-high and toss in your 2 pounds of ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it sizzles, cooking until it’s nicely browned and fragrant, about 8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat (we want flavor, not grease!), then scoop that savory beef into your crockpot.
Next, add your diced onion and minced garlic to the same skillet—let them soften and get golden for about 3 minutes, soaking up those beefy bits. Into the crockpot they go! Now, it’s time for the good stuff: pour in the kidney beans, black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Sprinkle in your chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Feeling spicy? Splash in some hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne.

Give it all a big stir—look at those colors! Pop the lid on your crockpot and set it to low for 6 hours (perfect for a lazy game day) or high for 3 hours if you’re short on time. Halfway through, sneak a taste and tweak the seasoning if you’d like—make it your own! When it’s done, the aroma will hit you like a winning play. Serve it up hot with your favorite toppings—shredded cheddar, sour cream, or green onions, anyone? Enjoy the cheers from your crew!

Notes

Stir occasionally if you’re around, but it’s fine to leave it alone—crockpots are forgiving like that.
If it’s too thin, uncover it for the last 30 minutes to thicken up.

Double the batch for a big crowd; it scales beautifully.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 411Total Fat 21gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 101mgSodium 517mgCarbohydrates 18gFiber 6gSugar 4gProtein 37g

The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes:

Ground Beef: Opt for 80/20 for the best flavor and juiciness; leaner cuts work but may lack richness.
Beans: Kidney and black beans add texture and heartiness—canned is fine, just drain and rinse to cut sodium.

Tomatoes: Fire-roasted diced tomatoes bring a smoky depth; regular diced work in a pinch.
Chili Powder: The backbone of the flavor—choose a high-quality blend for punchy taste.
Onions and Garlic: Fresh is best; they build the savory base that ties everything together.

Beef Broth: Low-sodium keeps it balanced; substitute with water if needed, but broth adds umami.

Variations and Substitutions:

Meat Swap: Try ground turkey or pork for a lighter twist, or mix in sausage for extra spice.
Bean-Free: Skip the beans entirely for a Texas-style chili—double the meat to keep it hearty.

Heat Level: Add cayenne or fresh jalapeños for fire, or dial it back with mild chili powder.
Vegetarian: Swap meat for lentils or extra beans, and use veggie broth for a meatless crowd-pleaser.
Sweet Touch: A teaspoon of cocoa powder or brown sugar can balance the spice beautifully.

Storage Options:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days—flavors get even better!
Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months; use freezer-safe bags to save space.
Reheating: Warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.