Championship Chili with Double Down Spice Blend
A rich, slow-simmered chili featuring a signature 'dynasty' spice mix, celebrating UConn's basketball legacy with a hearty, smoky depth. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 65 minutes pairs ground beef, (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, chili powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 can (15 oz), drained kidney beans
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 medium, chopped diced onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown 1 lb ground beef, breaking it into crumbles, then drain excess fat. Add 1 medium chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Add 1 can diced tomatoes and 2 cups beef broth, then bring to a simmer.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to low, add 1 can drained kidney beans, and cook uncovered for 20 minutes until thickened and flavors melded, stirring occasionally.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Championship Chili with Double Down Spice Blend take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (25 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Championship Chili with Double Down Spice Blend?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Championship Chili with Double Down Spice Blend?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Championship Chili with Double Down Spice Blend for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Championship Chili with Double Down Spice Blend?
American slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better slow cooker dishes though.
