Chili for a Crowd: The Ultimate Guide for Feeding Large Gatherings

There’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of Chili for a Crowd simmering on the stove when you’re preparing to host friends and family. Whether you’re planning a game day gathering, neighborhood potluck, or simply need to feed a houseful of hungry guests, this hearty Chili for a Crowd recipe delivers big on flavor while making your hosting duties stress-free.

As someone who regularly cooks for large gatherings, I’ve perfected this recipe through countless events, tweaking ingredients and methods until achieving this crowd-pleasing version that consistently earns rave reviews. The beauty of this Chili for a Crowd recipe lies not only in its rich, smoky flavor profile but also in how easily it scales to feed 15-20 people without sacrificing quality or taste.

The combination of ground beef, smoky kielbasa, and a perfect blend of spices creates a deeply satisfying dish that will have your guests coming back for seconds (and asking for the recipe). Let’s dive into making the best Chili for a Crowd that will become your go-to recipe for any large gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Chili for a Crowd

• ✅ Perfect Chili for a Crowd recipe that feeds 15-20 people easily
• ✅ Make-ahead friendly – actually tastes better the next day!
• ✅ Hearty Chili for a Crowd variations easily adaptable to dietary preferences
• ✅ Bulk Chili for a Crowd cooking tips save time on party day
• ✅ Classic Chili for a Crowd ingredients that won’t break the bank
• ✅ Impressive yet easy Chili for a Crowd recipe even novice cooks can master
• ✅ Versatile serving options for feeding a crowd with Chili for a Crowd

Ingredients for Chili for a Crowd

This recipe makes approximately 20 servings – perfect for your next large gathering!

Main Ingredients:

• 3 pounds ground beef (80/20 recommended for flavor)
• 2 cans (28 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 cans (16 ounces each) kidney beans, rinsed and drained or a mix of kidney, pinto, and black beans for variety
• 1 pound smoked kielbasa, sliced and halved
• 2 large onions, halved and thinly sliced
• 2 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce
• 2/3 cup hickory-flavored barbecue sauce
• 1-1/2 cups water or beef broth for added richness
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 5 fresh banana peppers, seeded and sliced

Spice Blend:

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground mustard
• 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules (secret flavor enhancer!)
• 1 teaspoon each dried oregano, thyme and sage
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust according to heat preference)
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (adds depth without tasting like chocolate)

For Vegetarian Chili for a Crowd:

Replace meat with:

• 3 additional cans of beans (variety of types)
• 2 cups chopped mushrooms
• 2 cups chopped sweet potatoes
• 1 cup bulgur wheat or quinoa

How to Make Chili for a Crowd – Step by Step

Step 1:

1. In a very large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.
2. When the beef is about halfway cooked, add the sliced onions and continue cooking until the beef is no longer pink and onions are translucent.
3. If necessary, drain excess fat, leaving about 2 tablespoons for flavor.
4. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Stir in all spices (chili powder, ground mustard, coffee granules, oregano, thyme, sage, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes).
6. Cook for 1-2 minutes to bloom the spices, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
7. Add the sliced kielbasa to the pot and stir to combine.
8. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, barbecue sauce, and water (or broth).
9. Stir in the brown sugar until dissolved.
10. Add the beans and sliced banana peppers, stirring gently to combine all ingredients.
11. Bring the Chili for a Crowd to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
12. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
13. Remove the lid and continue simmering for another 15-30 minutes to thicken the chili to your desired consistency.
14. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – add more salt, pepper, or spices according to preference.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Chili for a Crowd

• Make it ahead: This Chili for a Crowd actually tastes better the next day! Make it 1-2 days in advance, refrigerate, and reheat slowly before serving.
• Low and slow is key: The longer you simmer your Chili for a Crowd, the more the flavors will develop. If you have time, let it simmer on very low heat for 2-3 hours.
• Secret flavor enhancers: Don’t skip the coffee granules or brown sugar! These unexpected ingredients add depth without making the chili taste sweet or like coffee.
• Equipment matters: For the best Chili for a Crowd, use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven that distributes heat evenly and prevents scorching.
• Thicken if needed: If your Chili for a Crowd is too thin, simmer uncovered for longer. For a quicker fix, mix 2 tablespoons of cornmeal with water and stir it in.
• Transport tip: When taking Chili for a Crowd to a potluck, transport it in a slow cooker for easy reheating and serving.

Best Ways to Serve Chili for a Crowd

The beauty of Chili for a Crowd is its versatility when it comes to serving. Set up a chili bar with these toppings and sides:

Topping Ideas:

• Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Diced green onions or red onions
• Sliced avocado or guacamole
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Fritos or tortilla chips
• Pickled jalapeños for heat lovers

Perfect Side Dishes:

• Warm cornbread muffins or skillet cornbread
• Baked potatoes (chili makes a great topping!)
• Simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Coleslaw for a fresh crunch
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls
• Mexican rice for a complete meal

For a fun party, serve your Chili for a Crowd in creative ways:

• Mini bread bowls
• Over pasta for “Cincinnati-style”
• As a topping for hot dogs or baked potatoes
• Layered with corn chips for walking tacos

Nutritional Information for Chili for a Crowd

Per serving (approximately 1 cup):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 7g
• Sugar: 9g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Sodium: 680mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and products used.

Storage & Leftovers

One of the best things about making Chili for a Crowd is that it stores beautifully:

• Refrigeration: Store cooled Chili for a Crowd in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: This Chili for a Crowd freezes exceptionally well. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Leave some space at the top as it will expand slightly when frozen.
• Reheating: The best way to reheat Chili for a Crowd is slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick. For smaller portions, microwave on 70% power, stirring halfway through.
• Repurposing leftovers: Transform leftover Chili for a Crowd into new meals by using it as a topping for baked potatoes, nachos, or in quesadillas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Chili for a Crowd in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the meat and sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything to a large slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method is perfect when preparing Chili for a Crowd for a big event.

How far in advance can I make this Chili for a Crowd?

You can make this Chili for a Crowd up to 3 days in advance and keep it refrigerated. Many people find the flavor improves after a day or two! Reheat slowly before serving.

What’s the secret to the best Chili for a Crowd?

The secret to amazing Chili for a Crowd is layering flavors. Don’t skip blooming the spices, using the coffee granules, and allowing sufficient simmer time. Also, the combination of ground beef and kielbasa creates a more complex flavor profile than using just one meat.

How can I make my Chili for a Crowd spicier or milder?

For spicier Chili for a Crowd, increase the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes, or add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers in adobo. For milder chili, reduce or omit the cayenne and red pepper flakes, and make sure to remove all seeds and membranes from the banana peppers.

Conclusion

This Chili for a Crowd recipe has been my go-to for countless gatherings over the years, earning compliments and recipe requests every time. What makes it special is not just the rich, complex flavors that develop as it simmers, but how effortlessly it feeds a large group while still tasting like it was made with individual care.

The beauty of Chili for a Crowd lies in its flexibility—adjust the spice level, swap ingredients based on preferences, or prepare it days ahead to make entertaining stress-free. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, family reunion, or neighborhood potluck, this hearty Chili for a Crowd will satisfy everyone at your table.

I’d love to hear how this recipe works for your next big gathering! Did you add your own special twist? Share your Chili for a Crowd experience in the comments below, and don’t forget to pass this recipe along to fellow entertainers looking for the perfect crowd-pleasing meal.

Print