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Best Slow Cooker Tailgate Chili & Fritos

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This hearty, meaty chili is made in a slow cooker and topped with crunchy Fritos, shredded cheddar, and sour cream. It’s the perfect game-day comfort food that disappears before halftime.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 cups Fritos Original Corn Chips
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onions or fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned all over, about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the beef to a 6-quart slow cooker using a slotted spoon. Leave about 1 tablespoon of rendered fat in the skillet.
  2. In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Scrape the onion and garlic into the slow cooker.
  3. To the slow cooker, add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cocoa powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the meat and onions. Then add the fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well. Do not add the beans yet.
  4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the drained kidney beans and pinto beans. Let them heat through.
  5. Taste the chili and adjust seasoning as needed. For a thicker chili, cook uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes.
  6. Ladle the chili into wide bowls. Top generously with Fritos, shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream (if using), and sliced green onions or cilantro. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, brown the beef to develop deep flavor. Add beans at the end to prevent them from turning to mush. Store Fritos separately to keep them crunchy. Chili tastes even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chili, tailgate chili, Fritos chili, game day chili, ground beef chili, easy chili recipe

Find it online: https://cookyep.com/best-slow-cooker-tailgate-chili-and-fritos/