Costco Chili Recipe: A Delicious and Easy-to-Make Dish

Craving Costco Chili?

The Costco Chili Recipe has become a legendary favorite for a reason. This hearty, flavorful chili is a meal-prep dream, perfect for busy weeknights or game day gatherings. It’s known for its rich, beefy taste, generous portions, and surprisingly simple ingredients.

While you can always grab a pre-made pot from Costco, recreating it at home is surprisingly easy and lets you customize the spice level to your liking. Get ready to warm up with this crowd-pleasing chili recipe—it’s guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen!

Costco Chili Recipe Card

Get ready to warm up with this hearty, flavorful Costco Chili Recipe. Perfect for a crowd, this recipe makes 8-10 servings and can be cooked in under an hour.

Cooking Details

• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (450g)
• 1 large onion, diced (240g)
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes (400g / 14 oz)
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (220g / 15 oz)
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup beef broth (240ml)

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Cook the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. Add the onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook until the onion is translucent. Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy!

Ingredients for Costco Chili Recipe

To make the Costco Chili Recipe, gather the following ingredients. Note that some ingredients are optional and can be adjusted to taste.

The recipe requires a combination of ground meat, beans, tomatoes, and spices. Ensure to have all the necessary ingredients before starting to cook.

• 500 g / 1.1 lb ground beef
• 1 large onion, diced (250 g / 8.8 oz)
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced (15 g / 0.5 oz)
• 2 medium bell peppers, diced (200 g / 7 oz)
• 2 cans of diced tomatoes (410 g / 14.5 oz each)
• 1 can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed (150 g / 5.3 oz)
• 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed (150 g / 5.3 oz)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional:
  • 1/4 cup of water (60 ml / 2 fl oz)
  • 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro (15 g / 0.5 oz)
  • Shredded cheese, for serving (115 g / 4 oz)
  • Sour cream, for serving (115 g / 4 oz)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Costco Chili Recipe

Get ready to warm up with this hearty and flavorful Costco Chili Recipe. Follow these simple steps to recreate this crowd-pleasing dish in your own kitchen.

1. Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown 1.1 kg (2.4 lbs) ground beef over medium-high heat.

   Break the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks, ensuring it’s evenly browned.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add 1 chopped onion (about 240 g / 1 cup) and 2 minced garlic cloves to the pot.

   Cook for 5 minutes, or until softened, stirring occasionally.

3. Add the Spices: Stir in 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional), and 1/2 teaspoon salt.

   Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to release the flavors of the spices.

4. Incorporate the Remaining Ingredients: Pour in 1 (795 ml / 34 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained, 1 (400 g / 14.5 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed, 1 (400 g / 14.5 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed, and 1 (400 ml / 14 oz) can beef broth.

   Bring the mixture to a boil.

5. Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

   The chili will thicken as it simmers.

6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper, as desired.

   Remember, you can always add more heat, but you can’t take it away!

7. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot chili into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings.

   Some popular options include shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, and tortilla chips.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Costco Chili Recipe

Take your Costco chili to the next level with these expert tips and tricks.

• Use high-quality ground beef**: Opt for 80/20 or 70/30 lean-to-fat ratio for rich flavor and tender texture.
• Don’t overcook the onions**: Soften them in a little oil before adding the garlic for a depth of flavor.
• Acidity balances flavor**: Add a splash of red wine vinegar or a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies for a tangy twist.
• Simmer low and slow**: Let the chili cook for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Spice it up gradually**: Add cumin, chili powder, and paprika in increments to avoid overpowering the dish.

Avoid common pitfalls like over-relying on pre-made seasoning mixes and under-seasoning the chili. Instead, build flavor layers by adding aromatics, spices, and acidity.

For an extra boost, add a can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky heat or a can of black beans for added protein and fiber.

With these pro tips, you’ll be on your way to creating the best Costco chili recipe that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Substitutions and Alternatives for Costco Chili Recipe

To make the Costco Chili Recipe more versatile, consider the following substitutions and alternatives:

• Replace 450g / 2 cups of ground beef with 450g / 2 cups of ground turkey or ground pork for a different flavor profile.
• Use 240g / 1 cup of diced onions instead of 120g / 1/2 cup for added sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Substitute 15g / 1 tablespoon of chili powder with 15g / 1 tablespoon of ground cumin for a smokier taste.
• Add 120g / 1/2 cup of diced bell peppers for extra crunch and flavor.

For a spicy kick, add 5g / 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or 5g / 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. To reduce heat, omit the jalapenos or use just 30g / 1 tablespoon of diced jalapenos.

Cook the chili at 180°C / 350°F for 1-2 hours or until the flavors have melded together and the meat is tender.

Delicious Variations on the Costco Chili Recipe

Love the Costco chili but want to make it your own? Here are a few simple variations to customize your next batch!

Spicy Kick

For those who like it hot, add an extra kick with 1-2 diced jalapeños or a tablespoon of your favorite chili powder. Adjust the amount to your desired level of heat. This variation adds a noticeable spice level and takes about 5 minutes longer to simmer.

Vegetarian Delight

Easily make this recipe vegetarian by swapping the ground beef for 240g (1 cup) of crumbled vegetarian crumbles. These are readily available at most grocery stores. Vegetarian chili simmers for the same amount of time as the original recipe.

Hearty Bean Boost

Add a boost of protein and fiber with a can of kidney beans or black beans, drained and rinsed. Stir them in during the last 30 minutes of simmering. This variation adds a slightly earthier flavor and increases the cooking time by 30 minutes.

Sweet & Smoky Twist

For a touch of sweetness and smokiness, add 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar to the chili during the simmering process. This variation adds a complex flavor profile and takes about 5 minutes longer to simmer.

Storing and Reheating Your Costco Chili Recipe

Proper storage and reheating will help maintain the flavor and texture of your Costco Chili Recipe.

Short-Term Storage (Up to 3 Days)

Store the chili in a sealed, airtight container in the refrigerator at a temperature of 4°C (39°F). Allow the chili to cool completely before refrigerating.

• Label the container with the date and contents.
• Keep the chili away from strong-smelling foods, as it may absorb odors.

Long-Term Storage (Up to 3 Months)

Freeze the chili in airtight, freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing.

• Label the containers or bags with the date and contents.
• Store the frozen chili at -18°C (0°F) or below.

Reheating Instructions

Reheat the chili to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) to ensure food safety.

1. Thaw frozen chili overnight in the refrigerator or reheat from frozen in the microwave or on the stovetop.
2. Reheat the chili to the desired temperature, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Costco Chili Recipe

When preparing the Costco Chili Recipe, some common issues may arise. Fortunately, most of these problems have simple solutions. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help ensure a delicious and satisfying dish.

Common Problems and Fixes

• Overly Thick Chili: If the chili becomes too thick, add a small amount of water (about 60 ml / 1/4 cup) and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the desired consistency is reached.
• Undercooked Beans: If the beans are not tender after the recommended cooking time, continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes, or until they reach the desired tenderness.
• Insufficient Flavor: If the chili lacks flavor, try adding more seasoning, such as chili powder or ground cumin, and adjust to taste. Additionally, simmering the chili for a longer period can help to develop the flavors.
• Burnt Flavor: If a burnt flavor is detected, it’s likely due to the chili being cooked at too high a temperature (above 180°C / 350°F). Reduce the heat and continue simmering, stirring frequently, to prevent further burning.

By being aware of these potential issues and having the necessary solutions, the Costco Chili Recipe can be prepared with confidence, resulting in a delicious and satisfying meal.

Nutritional Information

This Costco Chili Recipe is a hearty and flavorful meal, but it’s important to be mindful of its nutritional content. One serving (approximately 240g/1 cup) provides:

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 15g

Please note that these values are estimates and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

Dietary Considerations

This recipe is not gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan.

Frequently Asked Questions about Costco Chili Recipe

Get answers to your burning questions about this popular recipe.

• Q: What type of ground meat should I use in the Costco Chili Recipe?

  A: The original recipe calls for ground beef, but you can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or a combination of meats for a unique twist.

• Q: Can I make the Costco Chili Recipe in a slow cooker?

  A: Yes, simply brown the meat, cook the onions and garlic, then transfer everything to your slow cooker with the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

• Q: How long does the Costco Chili Recipe keep in the fridge?

  A: This recipe will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) before serving.

• Q: Can I freeze the Costco Chili Recipe?

  A: Yes, let the chili cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Key Takeaways from the Costco Chili Recipe

When making the Costco Chili Recipe, several key points are essential to keep in mind for optimal results. The recipe requires 450g / 2 cups of ground beef, which should be cooked until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.

• Use a combination of 240g / 1 cup of diced onions and 120g / 1/2 cup of diced bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
• Tomato paste and diced tomatoes are crucial components, with 60g / 1/4 cup and 410g / 2 cups required, respectively.
• Seasoning is vital, with chili powder and cumin being essential spices, along with salt and pepper.

Cooking the chili at a low temperature, around 90°C / 195°F, for at least 2 hours allows the flavors to meld together. These key takeaways will help ensure a delicious and authentic Costco Chili Recipe experience.

A Costco Chili Staple

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients, it’s about the memories. Every time I make it, I’m transported back to family gatherings at my grandparents’ house. Their chili was legendary, simmering for hours on the stove, filling the air with that warm, inviting aroma.

I’ve adapted this recipe over the years, using the convenience of Costco’s pre-cut ingredients to make it even easier to whip up. But the heart of it remains the same: a hearty, flavorful chili that brings people together.

Costco Shortcuts

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. Costco’s pre-cut onions, peppers, and even their ground beef make prep a breeze. I also love using their canned diced tomatoes – they add a wonderful depth of flavor.

• Pro tip: If you want an extra kick, add a tablespoon or two of your favorite chili powder blend.
• Another tip: This chili freezes beautifully! Double the recipe and enjoy leftovers all week long.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Delicious Costco Chili Recipe

With this Costco Chili Recipe, you’re just a few steps away from a hearty, comforting bowl of goodness. The combination of tender ground beef, flavorful spices, and rich tomatoes creates a truly satisfying meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own by adding your favorite toppings or trying different variations.

Now that you’ve mastered this recipe, why not explore more cooking inspiration on our blog? Try our Slow Cooker Chili Mac or Beef and Bean Chili for more delicious chili recipes.