Name: Brian Baumgartner’s Chili – Comfort in a Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 2 cups crushed tomatoes; 1 cup diced tomatoes; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tbsp chili powder; 1 tbsp cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 4 cups beef broth; Salt and pepper to taste

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If you’ve ever watched The Office, you’ll know Brian Baumgartner as the lovable Kevin Malone, but did you know he’s also a chili aficionado? This hearty, flavorful chili recipe, shared by Baumgartner himself, is packed with all the things you love in a good chili—beef, beans, tomatoes, and a perfect blend of spices. It’s the kind of chili that’s guaranteed to warm you up on a chilly day and make everyone ask for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Rich and hearty – The beef and beans make it a filling meal.
Perfect balance of flavors – A combination of spices, tomatoes, and beef broth makes for a deliciously savory chili.
Customizable – You can adjust the spices to make it milder or spicier, depending on your taste.
Crowd-pleaser – Whether it’s for game day or family dinner, this chili will be the star of the show.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a quick look at the main ingredients you’ll need, but the full list is down below:

Ground beef – The meaty base for this chili.
Kidney beans – A hearty addition that adds great texture.
Tomatoes – Crushed and diced for a rich base.
Onion and garlic – Essential for building a flavorful foundation.
Chili powder – The backbone of any great chili.
Cumin and paprika – For depth and a slight smokiness.
Beef broth – To create the perfect chili broth.

Step-by-Step Directions

Brown the Beef

In a large pot, brown the ground beef with the chopped onions and garlic. Once the beef is cooked through, drain off any excess fat.

Add the Spices

Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the spices toast for a minute or two to deepen their flavors.

Simmer the Chili

Add the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir to combine, then bring everything to a simmer. Let it cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The flavors will meld together beautifully.

Adjust Seasoning

Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more chili powder for extra spice or a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.

Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings—sour cream, shredded cheese, and a handful of fresh cilantro are perfect finishing touches.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Don’t rush the simmer – Let the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes to develop its full flavor.
Use quality beef – For the best taste, opt for a good cut of ground beef (80/20 is a great choice).
Add some heat – If you like your chili on the spicier side, add a diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Use different beans – If kidney beans aren’t your favorite, feel free to use black beans or pinto beans.
Go for turkey – Swap the beef for ground turkey for a lighter version of this chili.
Add vegetables – You can toss in some bell peppers, zucchini, or corn to make the chili even more filling.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This chili is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with a side of cornbread, tortilla chips, or a simple green salad. For drinks, a cold beer or a glass of red wine makes the perfect pairing.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. This chili also freezes well—just store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Yes, this chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together. Make it in advance and reheat for a quick and easy meal.

How can I make this chili spicier?

Add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or fresh chopped jalapeños to heat things up.

Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Absolutely! After browning the beef, transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, swap the ground beef for lentils or textured vegetable protein (TVP) for a plant-based version.

Conclusion

Brian Baumgartner’s Chili is comfort food at its finest. With a perfect balance of spices, hearty beef, and tender beans, this chili is guaranteed to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re serving it on a cold day or bringing it to a party, this recipe is sure to impress!

Brian Baumgartner’s Chili – Comfort in a Bowl

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A hearty, flavorful chili recipe shared by Brian Baumgartner (Kevin Malone from The Office), featuring ground beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, and a perfect blend of spices. It’s perfect for game days, family dinners, or chilly nights!

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Comfort Food, Chili
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Brown the Beef: In a large pot, brown the ground beef with chopped onions and minced garlic. Drain excess fat once the beef is fully cooked.
Add the Spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the spices toast for 1-2 minutes.
Simmer the Chili: Add kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more chili powder or salt if desired.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro.

Notes

Don’t rush the simmering process—let the chili cook long enough for all the flavors to meld.
For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Use quality beef for the best flavor. Lean ground beef (80/20) is ideal.