Imagine hosting a dinner party where everyone raves about your culinary skills without you spending hours in the kitchen. This Dinner with Friends Chili Bar is your secret weapon to hosting the most memorable gathering! With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this American-style chili transforms an ordinary meal into an interactive dining experience that will have your guests talking for weeks. Perfect for game nights, casual gatherings, or when you want to impress without the stress.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 2 cans kidney beans
- 2 cans black beans
- 2 cans diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Various toppings (cheese, sour cream, green onions)
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and prepare your mise en place by chopping onions and bell peppers, measuring spices, and opening canned ingredients.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat a small amount of oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and bell peppers, sautéing until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is completely browned and no pink remains, about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the meat if desired, then return the pot to the stove.
- Add chili powder, salt, and pepper to the meat mixture, stirring to distribute spices evenly.
- Pour in kidney beans, black beans, and diced tomatoes, including their liquid. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for
- 5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed during cooking. The chili should develop a rich, deep flavor as it simmers.
- Prepare toppings: grate cheese, chop green onions, and set out sour cream in separate serving bowls.
- When ready to serve, set up a chili bar with the pot of chili and various toppings, allowing guests to customize their portions.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or cornbread on the side if desired.
Tips
- For the most robust flavor, use fresh ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20 blend).
- Allow the chili to simmer low and slow - this develops deeper, more complex flavors.
- Prep toppings in advance to make your chili bar setup quick and easy.
- Consider offering a variety of toppings to cater to different tastes: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, jalapeños, and even crushed tortilla chips.
- Make the chili a day ahead - it often tastes even better after the flavors have melded overnight.
- Keep the chili warm in a slow cooker during your gathering for convenience.
- Offer both mild and spicy versions if your guests have different heat preferences.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 85mg
