Super Bowl Chili with Aged Cheddar Topping
A smoky, slow-simmered chili with lean beef and kidney beans, crowned with melted aged cheddar for game day comfort. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 115 minutes pairs lean ground beef, (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, (15 oz) kidney beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 345 calories and feeds 8, 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
- 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 large, diced onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup, shredded aged cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs lean ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 3-4 minutes until onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until spices are fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 can kidney beans, and 1 cup beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 75 minutes, stirring occasionally until flavors meld.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup shredded aged cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Super Bowl Chili with Aged Cheddar Topping take to make?
Total time is about 115 minutes (25 min prep + 90 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 Super Bowl Chili with Aged Cheddar Topping?
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 lean ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Super Bowl Chili with Aged Cheddar Topping?
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 Super Bowl Chili with Aged Cheddar Topping for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Super Bowl Chili with Aged Cheddar Topping?
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
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
