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Delicious bowl of Slow Cooker Game Day Chili topped with fresh ingredients from a toppings bar.

Slow Cooker Game Day Chili with Toppings Bar

A hearty, flavorful chili that allows diners to customize their bowls with a variety of toppings for a fun game day experience.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chili Base Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey Browning the meat adds flavor, but pre-cooked crumbled meat can also be used.
  • 2 cans beans (kidney or black) Rinsed and drained.
  • 2 cans diced tomatoes Add more for a thicker consistency if desired.
  • 1 medium onion, chopped Provides sweetness and flavor.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Add more for a stronger garlic flavor.
  • 2 tbsp chili powder Adjust for desired heat level.
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika Adds depth of flavor.
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar Helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Toppings
  • 1 cup sour cream For a creamy flavor.
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt A healthier alternative to sour cream.
  • 2 cups shredded cheese Shred your own for a better melt.
  • 1 cup tortilla strips For crunch.
  • 1 cup diced red onion For freshness.
  • 1 bottle hot sauce Variety of hot sauces adds different flavors.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. If desired, brown the ground meat in a skillet and drain excess fat. This step is optional but adds more flavor.
  2. Add the browned meat to the slow cooker along with beans, tomatoes, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and brown sugar.
Cooking
  1. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until flavors meld.
  2. If the chili looks too thin in the last hour of cooking, crack the lid to let it reduce.
Serving
  1. Set the slow cooker on warm when ready to serve.
  2. Prepare a toppings bar with small bowls of various toppings, ladles, and labels for guest allergies.

Notes

For a fun experience, allow guests to customize their chili with toppings of their choice. Keep a roll of paper towels handy for messy moments!