12 Game Day Chili Recipes (Start Planning!)
Game day is not just about the touchdowns or the halftime show; it is about the food that brings everyone together around the coffee table. There is nothing more iconic for a sports gathering than a big, bubbling pot of chili. Whether you prefer a traditional beefy bowl, a light white chicken version, or a plant-based feast, having a reliable recipe in your back pocket is essential for hosting success. In this guide, we have curated twelve distinct chili recipes that cover the full spectrum of flavors and textures, ensuring every guest finds something to love. From the smoky depths of brisket chili to the unique spices of Cincinnati-style sauce, these recipes are designed to be prepared in large batches, making them perfect for feeding a hungry crowd while you focus on the game. Get your slow cookers ready and your toppings prepped as we dive into the ultimate game day chili collection.
Classic Ground Beef Chili
The quintessential American chili featuring a robust base of ground beef, kidney beans, and a balanced blend of aromatic spices that define the genre.
Ingredients
- •2 lbs ground beef
- •1 large yellow onion chopped
- •3 cloves garlic minced
- •2 cans kidney beans drained
- •1 can tomato paste
- •1 can crushed tomatoes
- •2 tablespoons chili powder
- •1 tablespoon ground cumin
Method
- 1
1. In a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook while breaking it up with a spatula until it is completely browned and no longer pink.
- 2
2. Drain any excess grease from the pot before adding the chopped onions and minced garlic, then sauté them until the onions become translucent and soft.
- 3
3. Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, chili powder, and cumin, ensuring the beef is thoroughly coated in the spice mixture for maximum flavor.
- 4
4. Add the drained kidney beans and bring the mixture to a light boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least forty-five minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Creamy White Chicken Chili
A lighter but equally satisfying alternative to red chili, this version uses tender shredded chicken, white beans, and a touch of cream for a velvety finish.
Ingredients
- •1.5 lbs chicken breast
- •2 cans cannellini beans
- •1 jar salsa verde
- •4 cups chicken broth
- •1 cup sour cream
- •1 teaspoon dried oregano
- •1 teaspoon ground cumin
Method
- 1
1. Place the chicken breasts in a large pot and cover them with chicken broth, bringing them to a gentle simmer until they are fully cooked and easy to shred with two forks.
- 2
2. Remove the chicken and shred it before returning it to the pot along with the cannellini beans, salsa verde, oregano, and cumin.
- 3
3. Let the mixture simmer on medium-low heat for twenty minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the zesty flavors of the salsa and spices.
- 4
4. Just before serving, turn off the heat and stir in the sour cream until the broth becomes white and creamy, ensuring you do not boil it after adding the dairy.
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Smoky Turkey Black Bean Chili
A leaner option that does not skimp on flavor, utilizing ground turkey and earthy black beans with a hint of smoky paprika.
Ingredients
- •1.5 lbs ground turkey
- •2 cans black beans
- •1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles
- •1 red bell pepper chopped
- •2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- •1 tablespoon chili powder
- •1 cup corn kernels
Method
- 1
1. Brown the ground turkey in a large pot over medium-high heat until it is fully cooked, then add the chopped red bell pepper and sauté for five minutes.
- 2
2. Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chiles and the black beans, stirring well to combine all the hearty base ingredients.
- 3
3. Season the mixture with smoked paprika and chili powder, adjusting the heat levels to your personal preference by adding more or less spice.
- 4
4. Add the corn kernels and simmer the chili on low heat for thirty minutes, allowing the smoky aroma to permeate throughout the turkey and beans.
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Sweet Potato and Bean Chili
A vibrant vegetarian chili that uses sweet potatoes for a natural sweetness that perfectly complements the spicy chili base.
Ingredients
- •2 large sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
- •2 cans pinto beans
- •1 can diced tomatoes
- •1 quart vegetable broth
- •1 large onion chopped
- •2 tablespoons chili powder
- •1 teaspoon cinnamon
Method
- 1
1. Sauté the chopped onions in a large pot with a splash of oil until they are soft, then add the cubed sweet potatoes and stir them around.
- 2
2. Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes, then bring the liquid to a boil and cook until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- 3
3. Stir in the pinto beans, chili powder, and a secret touch of cinnamon which enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
- 4
4. Mash a few of the sweet potato cubes against the side of the pot to thicken the chili naturally, then simmer for another fifteen minutes before serving.
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Texas No Bean Chili
Known as a 'bowl of red,' this traditional Texas style chili focuses entirely on the meat and the complex flavors of dried chiles without any beans.
Ingredients
- •3 lbs beef chuck roast cut into cubes
- •4 dried ancho chiles
- •2 cups beef broth
- •1 onion finely diced
- •4 cloves garlic minced
- •1 tablespoon cumin seeds
- •1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
Method
- 1
1. Toast the dried ancho chiles in a dry pan until fragrant, then soak them in hot water for twenty minutes before blending them into a smooth paste.
- 2
2. In a large Dutch oven, sear the cubes of beef chuck roast in batches until they develop a deep brown crust on all sides.
- 3
3. Add the diced onions and garlic to the pot with the beef, then stir in the chile paste, beef broth, cumin seeds, and oregano.
- 4
4. Cover the pot and simmer on very low heat for two to three hours until the beef is incredibly tender and the sauce has thickened into a rich gravy.
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Buffalo Chicken Slow Cooker Chili
All the flavors of buffalo wings transformed into a hearty chili, perfect for fans of spicy food and blue cheese.
Ingredients
- •2 lbs chicken thighs
- •1 cup buffalo wing sauce
- •1 can navy beans
- •1 package cream cheese
- •1 cup celery chopped
- •1 cup carrots chopped
- •4 cups chicken broth
Method
- 1
1. Place the chicken thighs, chopped celery, and chopped carrots into a slow cooker and pour the chicken broth over the top of them.
- 2
2. Cook on low heat for six hours or high heat for three hours until the chicken is tender enough to be shredded directly in the pot.
- 3
3. Stir in the buffalo wing sauce and the navy beans, then add the block of cream cheese and stir until it is completely melted and incorporated.
- 4
4. Allow the chili to cook for an additional thirty minutes to ensure the spicy buffalo flavors have melded with the creamy base.
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Pork Chili Verde
A bright and tangy chili made with tender pork shoulder and a sauce based on roasted tomatillos and green peppers.
Ingredients
- •3 lbs pork shoulder cubed
- •1 lb tomatillos husked and roasted
- •2 poblano peppers roasted and peeled
- •1 onion chopped
- •4 cloves garlic
- •1 cup chicken broth
- •1 teaspoon cumin
Method
- 1
1. Roast the tomatillos and poblano peppers under a broiler until the skins are charred, then blend them with garlic and onion to create a green sauce.
- 2
2. Brown the cubed pork shoulder in a heavy pot until golden, then pour the green sauce and chicken broth over the meat.
- 3
3. Season with cumin and salt, then cover the pot and simmer on low heat for at least two hours until the pork falls apart easily.
- 4
4. Taste the sauce and adjust the acidity with a squeeze of lime juice or a pinch of sugar if the tomatillos are too tart.
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Hearty Three-Bean Chili
A protein-packed vegetarian option that utilizes kidney, black, and pinto beans for a diverse texture and satisfying mouthfeel.
Ingredients
- •1 can black beans
- •1 can pinto beans
- •1 can red kidney beans
- •1 can crushed tomatoes
- •1 green bell pepper chopped
- •2 tablespoons chili powder
- •1 cup vegetable broth
Method
- 1
1. Begin by sautéing the chopped green bell pepper in a large pot until it starts to soften, then add the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth.
- 2
2. Rinse and drain all three types of beans thoroughly before adding them to the pot to ensure the chili has a clean and bright flavor.
- 3
3. Stir in the chili powder and any other desired spices, then bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat for thirty minutes.
- 4
4. For a thicker consistency, use a potato masher to lightly crush some of the beans at the bottom of the pot before serving.
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Beer-Braised Beef Chili
The addition of a dark stout or lager adds a deep, malty complexity to this beef chili that is perfect for a cold game day afternoon.
Ingredients
- •2 lbs ground beef
- •1 bottle dark stout beer
- •1 can diced tomatoes
- •2 cans kidney beans
- •1 onion chopped
- •3 tablespoons chili powder
- •1 tablespoon cocoa powder
Method
- 1
1. Brown the ground beef with the onions in a large pot, then pour in the entire bottle of dark beer to deglaze the bottom of the pan.
- 2
2. Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, and the secret ingredient: cocoa powder, which adds a rich depth without tasting like chocolate.
- 3
3. Stir the mixture well and let it simmer uncovered for about an hour so that the alcohol evaporates and the beer flavor concentrates.
- 4
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious, malty broth.
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Savory Pumpkin and Sausage Chili
An autumnal twist on chili that uses pumpkin puree to create a thick, velvety sauce that pairs beautifully with spicy Italian sausage.
Ingredients
- •1 lb spicy Italian sausage
- •1 can pumpkin puree
- •1 can black beans
- •1 can diced tomatoes
- •1 onion chopped
- •1 tablespoon chili powder
- •1 teaspoon ground sage
Method
- 1
1. Remove the casings from the Italian sausage and brown the meat in a large pot, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks.
- 2
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, then stir in the pumpkin puree, diced tomatoes, and black beans.
- 3
3. Season the mixture with chili powder and ground sage, which complements the earthy pumpkin and the savory sausage perfectly.
- 4
4. Simmer the chili on low heat for twenty-five minutes, adding a little water or broth if the mixture becomes too thick during the cooking process.
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Smoky Brisket Chili
The ultimate luxury chili made with tender pieces of smoked brisket, providing a deep wood-fired flavor that is unmatched.
Ingredients
- •2 lbs smoked brisket cubed
- •1 can crushed tomatoes
- •1 can pinto beans
- •1 red onion chopped
- •2 tablespoons chili powder
- •1 tablespoon liquid smoke
- •1 cup beef broth
Method
- 1
1. If using leftover brisket, cut it into bite-sized cubes; if using fresh, ensure it is fully cooked and tender before starting the chili.
- 2
2. Sauté the red onion in a pot until soft, then add the brisket cubes, crushed tomatoes, pinto beans, and beef broth.
- 3
3. Stir in the chili powder and a dash of liquid smoke to enhance the natural smokiness of the brisket throughout the entire dish.
- 4
4. Simmer the mixture for forty minutes, allowing the brisket to slightly break down and thicken the sauce with its rendered fats.
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Cincinnati Skyline Style Chili
A unique regional specialty served over spaghetti, characterized by its thin consistency and aromatic spices like cinnamon and cloves.
Ingredients
- •1.5 lbs ground beef
- •4 cups water
- •1 can tomato sauce
- •2 tablespoons chili powder
- •1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- •1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- •1 tablespoon cider vinegar
Method
- 1
1. Unlike other chilis, start by adding the raw ground beef to the water in a large pot and mashing it with a fork until it is very fine.
- 2
2. Bring the water and beef to a boil, then add the tomato sauce, chili powder, cinnamon, cloves, and cider vinegar.
- 3
3. Reduce the heat and simmer the mixture uncovered for at least two hours until it has reduced to a thin, meat-heavy sauce.
- 4
4. Serve this chili traditionally over a bed of cooked spaghetti and top it with a mountain of finely shredded cheddar cheese.
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Wrapping Up
With these twelve diverse recipes in your culinary playbook, your next game day hosting duty will be a guaranteed victory. Each of these dishes offers a unique take on the classic comfort food, allowing you to tailor your menu to your guests' specific tastes and dietary needs. Remember that the secret to great chili often lies in the toppings, so be sure to provide plenty of shredded cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro for everyone to customize their bowls. Whether you choose the rich and hearty beer-braised beef or the lighter white chicken chili, these pots are sure to be scraped clean by the final whistle. Start planning your ingredients now and enjoy the warmth and camaraderie that only a great bowl of chili can provide.
