Easy Chili Recipe to Make for Super Bowl Sunday

Who doesn’t love a good bowl of chili on a cold winter day? And what better occasion to enjoy it than on Super Bowl Sunday? I’m excited to share my favorite one with you today.

This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd, and it’s sure to be a hit with both meat lovers and vegetarians alike.

It’s a hearty and flavorful chili that’s packed with protein and fiber, and it’s easy to customize to your liking. Plus, it can be made ahead of time and reheated on game day, so you can spend more time enjoying the game and less time in the kitchen.

So, without further ado, let’s get started on the best chili recipe for Super Bowl Sunday.

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The Basics of a Great Chili Recipe

When it comes to making the best chili recipe for Super Bowl Sunday, there are a few key components that you simply can’t overlook. Here are the basics of a great chili recipe that will have your guests coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).

Choosing the Right Meat

The foundation of any good chili recipe is, of course, the ground meat. While ground beef is the traditional choice, don’t be afraid to mix things up by using ground turkey or even a combination of the two. For my recipe today, I’m using ground turkey. 

Beans or No Beans?

Ah, the great chili debate: to bean or not to bean? While some purists argue that true chili should never include beans, others swear by the hearty texture and added protein that beans provide. Ultimately, the choice is yours. If you’re going for a more traditional chili, stick with pinto beans. If you want to mix things up, try using black beans or kidney beans instead.

We don’t like beans in our house so the choice is easy but we have family and friends who don’t eat meat and in that case, I make two batches. One is my recipe with meat and the other is my recipe with beans instead of meat and vegetable broth instead of beef broth. 

Perfecting the Spice Blend

Last but certainly not least, the spice blend is what will take your chili from good to great. While every recipe is different, a good rule of thumb is to use three tablespoons of chili powder and one tablespoon of ground cumin for every pound of meat. From there, you can add other spices like paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to suit your taste. Just be sure to taste as you go so that you don’t overdo it on the heat! Unless you want to up the heat level (we like spicy) then you want to add cayenne pepper. 

By following these basic guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to creating the ultimate Super Bowl Sunday chili recipe. Happy cooking!

Cooking Techniques for Super Bowl Chili

Using a Slow Cooker for Convenience

When it comes to making chili for Super Bowl Sunday, using a slow cooker is a great option for those who want to save time and effort. Simply add all the ingredients to the crock pot or slow cooker, set it to low heat, and let it simmer for several hours until the flavors have melded together.

One thing to keep in mind when using a slow cooker is the size of the pot. Make sure to use a large enough crockpot or slow cooker to accommodate all of the ingredients without overflowing. Also, be sure to stir the chili occasionally with a wooden spoon to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Simmering on the Stove

If you prefer to make chili on the stove like I do, a large pot or Dutch oven is the way to go. Begin by browning the meat over medium heat and drain of excess grease, before adding the rest of the ingredients. Once everything is in the pot, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least an hour, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon.

If you’re short on time, you can also use a large saucepan to simmer the chili on the stove. Just be sure to keep an eye on it and stir it frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

No matter which method you choose, the key to making a delicious Super Bowl chili is to let it simmer for as long as possible to allow the flavors to meld together. So grab your ingredients and get cooking!

Serving and Toppings

Creative Toppings for Your Chili

When it comes to toppings for your chili, the possibilities are endless. I like to offer a variety of toppings so that everyone can customize their bowl to their liking. Some of my favorite toppings include:

• sour cream
• shredded cheddar cheese
• diced green onions
• diced red onion
• ​oyster crackers
• diced avocado
• cilantro
• diced white onion
• ​sliced green and black olives
• elbow noodles (makes it ChiliMac)

For a fun twist, consider offering some less traditional toppings like crushed tortilla chips or lime wedges. The crunch of the chips adds a nice texture to the chili, while the lime wedges add a bright, citrusy flavor.

Presentation for the Big Game

Presentation is key when it comes to serving chili on game day. I like to set up a chili bar with all of the toppings displayed in separate bowls so that guests can help themselves.

I also like to serve the chili in individual bowls rather than one large pot. This allows guests to easily grab a bowl and customize it with their favorite toppings. For an added touch, consider using football-themed bowls or plates to get in the spirit of the game.

To keep the chili warm throughout the game, I like to serve it in my slow cooker set to the “warm” setting. This ensures that the chili stays at the perfect temperature without overcooking or burning.

Overall, serving chili at your Super Bowl party is a great way to feed a crowd. With a variety of toppings and a fun presentation, your guests are sure to be impressed.

Other Food Ideas for a Super Bowl Party

As much as I love chili, it’s always good to have some other food options for Super Bowl Sunday. Here are a few ideas to mix things up:

• Wings – You can’t go wrong with wings on game day. Whether you like them hot and spicy or sweet and tangy, wings are always a crowd-pleaser. Serve them with some ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, and you’re good to go.
• Dips – Dips are another great option for game day. From classic guacamole to cheesy spinach and artichoke dip, there are so many different dips to choose from. Serve them with some tortilla chips or veggies for dipping, and you’ve got a tasty snack that everyone will love.
• Nachos – Who doesn’t love a big plate of loaded nachos? Layer tortilla chips with cheese, beans, meat, and your favorite toppings, and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with some salsa and sour cream, and you’ve got a delicious appetizer that’s perfect for sharing.
• Sliders – Sliders are a great way to feed a crowd without having to make a lot of individual sandwiches. Make some mini burgers or pulled pork sandwiches, and serve them on small buns with your favorite toppings. They’re easy to eat and always a hit.
• Pizza – Pizza is another classic game-day food. Whether you order in or make your own, pizza is always a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with some garlic knots or breadsticks for dipping, and you’ve got a delicious meal that’s perfect for watching the game.

No matter what you decide to serve on game day, just remember to have fun and enjoy the game with your friends and family.

Just like my spaghetti sauce, when I make chili I make a big pot of it. If we aren’t entertaining the leftover chili gets put into a portion-sized airtight container and put in the freezer for a quick and easy meal during the week. 

This Super Bowl is going to be especially fun for us as Brock Purdy of the San Francisco 49ers went to Iowa State University where my girls went. Emma was in the same class as him. During her freshman year at the first football game, I suggested that she get to know him. Why don’t kids ever listen to their Mom’s 🙂

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