Chili for a Big Bash Recipe: A Hearty and Flavorful Chili for Large Groups
Introduction
Perfect for large gatherings, this chili is a crowd-pleaser that’s packed with rich, bold flavors and a nice balance of heat. Made with a mix of venison, lean beef, and hot Italian sausage, this chili offers a variety of textures—from tender cubes of meat to perfectly ground beef. It’s a perfect dish for a Fourth of July bash, a tailgate party, or any large celebration, but it’s also great for freezing so you can enjoy it at a later time. The combination of spicy seasonings, beans, and a touch of dark beer makes this chili extra flavorful. Topped with grated cheddar cheese, sour cream, and Salsa Verde, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your rotation.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 6 quarts
Servings: Approximately 10-12 servings (depending on portion size)
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 3 lbs |
| Venison (or lean beef) | 4 lbs |
| Hot Italian sausage links | 2 links |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Worcestershire sauce | 2-3 tbsp |
| Onions, chopped | 4 |
| Green bell pepper, chopped | 1 |
| Diced green chilies | 1 can (4 oz) |
| Chipotle chiles in adobo, chopped | 1-2 chiles |
| Dark beer | 1 bottle (12 oz) |
| Brown sugar | 4 tbsp |
| Crushed tomatoes | 14 oz can |
| Tomato paste | 1/2 can (6 oz) |
| Chili powder | 2 tbsp |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 1 tbsp |
| Oregano (dried) | 1 tsp |
| Cumin | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1 tbsp |
| Black pepper | 1 tsp |
| Kidney beans | 2 cans (15 oz each) |
| Turkey broth | 4-6 cups |
| Water | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 326.7 kcal |
| Total Fat | 12.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 115.5 mg |
| Sodium | 869.5 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 18.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.2 g |
| Sugars | 8.3 g |
| Protein | 34.2 g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pot and Heat the Ingredients
For a large batch of chili, an 18-quart electric roaster oven works wonderfully, as it provides ample space for the ingredients to cook evenly. If you don’t have a roaster oven, you can use a large pot, but a large countertop oven like this makes the process much easier and hands-off.
- Preheat the electric roaster oven to 400°F. If using a regular pot on the stove, heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add oil to the pot or roaster oven to begin browning the meat. You can use vegetable or canola oil, as these oils have a neutral flavor that won’t overpower the chili.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
- Add the ground beef, venison (or lean beef), and hot Italian sausage to the pot. Brown the meat, breaking up any large chunks as it cooks. Stir occasionally to ensure the meat is evenly browned.
- Add the garlic, onions, and green pepper to the pot. Stir everything together. The vegetables will begin to soften, releasing their flavors into the meat.
- Add Worcestershire sauce and continue cooking until the meat is thoroughly browned and the vegetables are tender. Be sure to stir often to prevent burning and to evenly cook the ingredients.
Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients
- Once the meat is browned and the vegetables are soft, add the diced green chilies, chipotle chiles in adobo (for that smoky kick), dark beer, brown sugar, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and chili powder. Stir everything together, ensuring the spices and ingredients are well-distributed.
- Season the chili with parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you want more heat, feel free to add more chipotle chiles or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
- Add the kidney beans, including their liquid, to the pot. Be sure to check the label on your beans—some brands require a rinse, while others, like Goya, do not.
- Add turkey broth and water to the mixture. Stir well, and let everything combine thoroughly. The liquid will help create the perfect chili base and allow all the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Simmer and Allow the Flavors to Develop
- Lower the temperature of the roaster oven or stovetop to 275°F. Allow the chili to simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent any sticking or burning. The longer the chili simmers, the more the flavors will develop and blend into a rich, delicious chili.
- Check the seasoning again towards the end of cooking and adjust if needed. If the chili is too thick, you can add a little more turkey broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the chili is cooked and the flavors are well-balanced, serve it hot. Ladle the chili into bowls, and top with your favorite garnishes. Grated cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a drizzle of Salsa Verde (recipe #84339) are all excellent toppings that complement the spice and richness of the chili.
Cooking Tips & Variations
- Substitute Meats: If you don’t have venison, you can use ground turkey or chicken in place of the lean beef for a slightly lighter version. The hot Italian sausage, however, adds great flavor, so try to keep it in the recipe if possible.
- Beans: Feel free to use any type of beans you like—kidney beans, black beans, or even pinto beans can work in this recipe.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by varying the amount of chipotle chiles and chili powder you use. If you prefer a milder chili, you can omit the chipotles and reduce the chili powder.
- Freeze for Later: This chili freezes well, so make a big batch, and freeze the leftovers in portions. You can enjoy it later with minimal effort—simply reheat and enjoy!
Conclusion
This Chili for a Big Bash is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any large gathering. Whether you’re making it for a holiday like the Fourth of July or just a weekend family cookout, this chili is sure to impress. With its mix of meats, rich spices, and hearty beans, this dish will have everyone coming back for more. Make sure to prepare plenty—this recipe yields 6 quarts, perfect for feeding a large group. Serve it over rice or enjoy it straight, and don’t forget to add your favorite toppings!
