Slow-Cooked Oshkosh Chili
Rich, smoky chili simmered for hours with kidney beans and a hint of smoked paprika, evoking the spirit of AirVenture. This american-inspired soups ready in about 500 minutes pairs ground beef, (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, beef broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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 (15 oz, rinsed and drained) kidney beans
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup corn
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown 1 lb ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink, about 5 minutes; drain excess fat.
- Step 2: Transfer beef to a slow cooker. Add 1 can kidney beans (rinsed and drained), 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 cup beef broth, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika.
- Step 3: Cook on low for 8 hours, stirring once halfway through. Stir in 1/2 cup corn and cook for 30 minutes more until heated through.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Oshkosh Chili take to make?
Total time is about 500 minutes (20 min prep + 480 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 Slow-Cooked Oshkosh Chili?
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 Slow-Cooked Oshkosh Chili?
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 Slow-Cooked Oshkosh Chili 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 Slow-Cooked Oshkosh Chili?
American soups 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
- ★★★★★
Loved it! The Oshkosh chili has a unique twist that my family loved. I'll be making this every Sunday.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for cold weather. The slow-cooked method made the meat so tender and the spices just right. Will make again.
- ★★★★★
This chili is a family favorite! Made it for my kids' game night and they devoured it. The slow cooking really brought out the flavors.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.