Halloween Chili
Hearty Halloween chili with ground beef, beans, and warm spices—ideal for costume-night dinner or a fall party crock. Thick, scoopable, and easily kept food-safe on warm for a buffet.
🛒Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Toppings: shredded cheddar, sour cream, green onions, corn chips
🔧Kitchen Tools Needed
- Dutch oven or large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Instant-read thermometer
- Ladle
- Slow cooker (optional hold)
📝Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook onion and bell pepper 4–5 minutes until softened.
- 2
Add garlic; cook 30 seconds. Add ground beef; cook until browned and 160°F, breaking it up. Drain excess fat.
- 3
Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper for 1 minute.
- 4
Add crushed tomatoes, beans, and broth. Bring to a simmer.
- 5
Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and flavors meld. Filling should stay at a gentle simmer (above 165°F while cooking).
- 6
Taste and adjust salt. Serve with toppings. For a party, hold on Warm in a slow cooker at 140°F+; discard after 2 hours if left in the danger zone.
🥗Nutrition Information
⚡Calories per serving: 390
🏷️Recipe Tags
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Halloween chili in a slow cooker?
Brown meat and aromatics first, then cook on Low 6–7 hours or High 3–4 hours until hot throughout.
How spicy is it?
Mild-medium. Add cayenne or hot sauce to taste for adults.
Freezer friendly?
Cool quickly, freeze up to 3 months. Reheat to 165°F.
Turkey swap?
Use ground turkey cooked to 165°F; you may want an extra splash of broth.
Halloween serving idea?
Serve in orange bowls with black tortilla chips and a dollop of sour cream “ghost.”
