Name: Brian Baumgartner’s Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 2 cans (14.5 oz each) crushed tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 2 cups beef broth; 2 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil

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If you’ve ever watched The Office and enjoyed the humorous antics of Kevin Malone, then you probably know that Kevin’s famous chili is the stuff of legend. Well, Brian Baumgartner, the actor who played Kevin, shared his very own version of the chili recipe that had us all drooling. This recipe is rich, hearty, and packed with layers of flavor—perfect for a cozy evening or a gathering with friends. Get ready to try the chili that made Kevin’s character a household name!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Brian Baumgartner’s chili is the epitome of comfort food. It’s full of beef, beans, and a blend of spices that come together in perfect harmony. The best part? It’s super easy to make, especially with minimal prep involved. The combination of ground beef, tomatoes, and kidney beans gives the chili a hearty base, while the secret seasonings bring the dish to life. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or as the main dish for a game day party, this chili is sure to be a crowd favorite!

Ingredients

Here’s a sneak peek of the ingredients you’ll need for Brian Baumgartner’s chili. For the full list, keep scrolling!

Ground beef
Onion
Garlic
Bell peppers
Crushed tomatoes
Tomato paste
Kidney beans
Beef broth
Chili powder
Ground cumin
Smoked paprika
Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper
Olive oil

For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, check below!

Directions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers to the pot and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. This will be the flavorful base for your chili.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Cook the beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s fully browned. This will take about 8-10 minutes. Make sure the beef gets nice and crispy in some places for extra flavor. Drain any excess fat, but leave a little in the pot to keep the flavor.

Step 3: Add the Spices and Worcestershire Sauce

Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the beef and vegetables evenly with the spices. The aroma will be amazing as the spices toast in the hot oil. Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth and richness.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth, then add the kidney beans (drained and rinsed if using canned). Bring the chili to a simmer and cook for about 30-45 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together, so don’t rush it! Stir occasionally, and add a little more broth if you like a thinner consistency.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust Seasoning

After the chili has simmered, taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you want more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño. If it needs more richness, a splash of additional Worcestershire sauce will do the trick. Stir everything well and let it simmer for another 10 minutes if you’ve added extra spices.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings. A dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions work beautifully. You could even serve it with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete meal.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use Lean Ground Beef: While you want some fat for flavor, using lean ground beef (such as 85% lean) will prevent the chili from being too greasy.
Add More Heat: For those who love their chili on the spicier side, feel free to add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or even a few diced jalapeños when you sauté the veggies.
Cook Low and Slow: The longer you let the chili simmer, the better it will taste. If you have time, let it cook for 1-2 hours to really develop the flavors.
Rest Before Serving: Let the chili rest for about 10 minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld together even more.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add more veggies like zucchini, carrots, or corn for extra texture and flavor. You can also swap in different types of beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, if you prefer.
Swap Beef for Turkey: If you’re looking for a leaner version, ground turkey works just as well in this recipe. The seasonings will still make it flavorful and hearty.
Use Spicy Sausage: To add even more flavor, try using spicy Italian sausage in place of some or all of the ground beef. It will give the chili a nice kick!

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Brian Baumgartner’s chili is rich and hearty enough to be served on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with cornbread, tortilla chips, or even a side of rice. For toppings, you can go the classic route with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions, or add a dollop of guacamole or sliced avocado for extra creaminess. If you’re feeling indulgent, a sprinkle of crispy bacon or some jalapeño slices can take your chili to the next level.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This chili stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. When you’re ready to reheat, simply heat it up on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in individual portions. If you find it too thick after refrigerating, add a little extra beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

If you want to freeze it, let the chili cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat from frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then warm it up on the stovetop.

4 FAQs

Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s even better the next day once the flavors have had more time to develop. Make it ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Can I use a slow cooker instead of the stovetop?
Yes, you can! After browning the beef and sautéing the veggies, transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
Can I make this chili without beans?
Yes, you can! Simply leave out the beans and add more beef or vegetables if you’d like. You’ll still have a delicious chili.
How can I make this chili less spicy?
If you want to tone down the heat, reduce the amount of chili powder and skip any optional spicy ingredients like jalapeños or cayenne pepper.

Conclusion

Brian Baumgartner’s chili is the kind of recipe that makes you feel warm and satisfied with every spoonful. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner, a game day party, or just because you’re craving some delicious comfort food, this chili will be a hit. Plus, it’s easy to customize, so you can make it as spicy or mild as you like. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and make a batch of this amazing chili—you’ll be glad you did!

Brian Baumgartner’s Chili

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This rich and hearty chili is packed with layers of flavor, featuring beef, beans, and a blend of spices. It’s perfect for cozy evenings or gatherings, offering a delicious and easy-to-make meal that’s sure to please any crowd.

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Brown the Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat, leaving some for flavor.
Add the Spices and Worcestershire Sauce: Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the beef mixture. Stir to coat. Add Worcestershire sauce and stir for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and kidney beans. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more broth for a thinner consistency if needed.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning as desired. Add more chili powder or jalapeños for extra heat.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle into bowls and garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions. Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips.