Chili & Beans For A Crowd

This robust chili is designed to feed a crowd, offering deep, complex flavors that develop over hours of slow simmering. The combination of cubed beef, bacon, and pinto beans creates a satisfyingly thick and hearty texture. Aromatics like cumin, fennel, and garlic provide a warm, earthy base, while cocoa powder and tomatoes add a subtle sweetness and acidity that balances the heat. It is the ultimate comfort food for tailgates, family gatherings, or cold winter nights. Serve with cornbread or rice for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Cooking Method: Boiling, Sautéing, Stewing

Cuisine: American

Courses: Main Courses

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 30

Calories: 3494.1

Dietary: Gluten-free

Description

This robust chili is designed to feed a crowd, offering deep, complex flavors that develop over hours of slow simmering. The combination of cubed beef, bacon, and pinto beans creates a satisfyingly thick and hearty texture. Aromatics like cumin, fennel, and garlic provide a warm, earthy base, while cocoa powder and tomatoes add a subtle sweetness and acidity that balances the heat. It is the ultimate comfort food for tailgates, family gatherings, or cold winter nights. Serve with cornbread or rice for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

1/2 cup Oil
2 tablespoon Salt
2 tablespoon Cumin seed
9 ea Garlic cloves minced
2 tablespoon Cocoa powder
1 can Tomatoes, peeled, chopped
6 cup Onions, chopped
6 pound Beef small cubes
1 tablespoon Fennel
1 cup Chili powder
1 tablespoon Sugar
24 ounce Tomato sauce
1/2 pound Bacon cut into 1/2" squares
2 pound Pinto beans, dry, rinsed

Directions

1
In a large heavy pot, sauté the chopped onions in half of the oil until soft and translucent.
2
Add the cubed beef to the pot and brown over medium-high heat, sprinkling with half the salt.
3
In a mortar or spice grinder, grind the cumin seeds and fennel seeds until fragrant.
4
Add the ground spices, minced garlic, chili powder, cocoa powder, and sugar to the beef mixture. Stir well to coat the meat.
5
Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, and 4 cups of water.
6
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for 3 1/2 hours until the beef is tender.
7
Meanwhile, in a separate heavy pot, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, reserving the grease.
8
In the same pot, add the dry pinto beans, remaining garlic, remaining salt, and enough water to cover the beans by 2 inches.
9
Bring the beans to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered, stirring occasionally, for about 1 1/2 hours or until tender.
10
Once beans are tender, use a slotted spoon to transfer the beans and bacon into the chili pot.
11
Reserve some of the bean cooking liquid to thin the chili to your desired consistency.
12
Simmer the combined chili for an additional 15 minutes to blend flavors before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 30

Amount Per Serving
Calories 3494.1kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 172.8g266%
Saturated Fat 56.3g282%
Cholesterol 557.3mg186%
Sodium 35037.9mg1460%
Total Carbohydrate 245.7g82%
Dietary Fiber 65.6g263%
Sugars 52.4g
Protein 256.2g513%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: chili, beans, beef, crowd, party, comfort food, slow cooked, bacon, pinto beans, cumin, cocoa, american, dinner, hearty, spicy, tailgate, one pot, meat, tomato sauce, garlic

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/chili-beans-for-a-crowd/