NCAA Championship Game Day Chili with Regional Spice Blend
A robust, slow-simmered chili featuring a blend of spices inspired by regional flavors, perfect for game day gatherings. This american-inspired beef ready in about 75 minutes pairs ground beef, large, diced yellow onion, medium, diced green bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 large, diced yellow onion
- 1 medium, diced green bell pepper
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 15 oz, drained and rinsed kidney beans
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large diced yellow onion and 1 diced green bell pepper, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Increase heat to medium-high and add 1 lb ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 7-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking spices with meat for 2 minutes to release aromas.
- Step 5: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 15 oz drained kidney beans, and 1 cup beef broth. Stir well, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Step 6: Let chili simmer gently for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does NCAA Championship Game Day Chili with Regional Spice Blend take to make?
Total time is about 75 minutes (15 min prep + 60 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 NCAA Championship Game Day Chili with Regional 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 NCAA Championship Game Day Chili with Regional 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 NCAA Championship Game Day Chili with Regional 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 NCAA Championship Game Day Chili with Regional Spice Blend?
American beef 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.
