Spice Up Work Day: Hearty Office Chili Recipe Everyone Loves

Every home cook knows a killer office chili recipe can spark lunchtime conversations and boost workplace morale.

Colleagues appreciate hearty meals that break through monotonous workday routines.

Spices and rich ingredients combine to create something more than just another lunch option.

My favorite chili blend delivers unexpected warmth and depth with minimal preparation time.

Kitchen shortcuts make this dish accessible even for busy professionals juggling multiple tasks.

Simple ingredients and straightforward techniques mean anyone can craft a memorable meal.

Come explore this delicious solution that turns an ordinary lunch into a culinary adventure.

Brian’s Chili (The Office) Ingredients

• Ground Turkey, Ground Beef: Hearty base that provides rich, meaty flavor. Choose lean cuts for healthier option. Perfect for creating substantial texture in chili.

• Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Garlic: Essential flavor foundation that adds depth and complexity. Fresh ingredients ensure vibrant taste. Provides aromatic base for entire dish.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste: Creates classic chili texture and tangy base. Helps bind ingredients together. Provides rich, deep red color and concentrated tomato flavor.

• Pinto Beans, Kidney Beans: Adds protein, fiber, and traditional chili texture. Helps thicken the dish. Provides hearty, satisfying element to the recipe.

• Black Pepper, Salt, Chili Powder, Ancho Chili Powder, Oregano, Sugar: Balances and enhances overall flavor profile. Creates complex, warm spice blend. Sugar helps cut through acidity of tomatoes.

• Water: Helps adjust liquid consistency if needed. Controls thickness of chili.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Classic topping that adds creamy, sharp flavor. Optional garnish for serving.

• Grapeseed Oil: Neutral oil for sautéing aromatics. Provides clean cooking surface with high smoke point.

Office Chili Recipe by Brian Baumgartner Prep

Step 1: Warm Up the Pot

Heat grapeseed oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

• Onion
• Green bell pepper
• Garlic

Sauté until everything softens and becomes fragrant, but don’t let the garlic burn.

Step 2: Brown the Protein

Introduce ground turkey or beef to the pot.

Break up the meat as it cooks, ensuring it turns a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 3: Boost the Flavor

Stir in tomato paste, making sure it completely coats the meat and vegetables for an extra depth of flavor.

Step 4: Create the Chili Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Water
• Black pepper
• Salt
• Chili powder
• Ancho chili powder
• Oregano
• Sugar

Mix everything thoroughly to create a harmonious blend.

Step 5: Let It Simmer

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Immediately reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30 minutes.

Give it an occasional stir to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Bean Party

• Pinto beans
• Kidney beans

Include the beans’ chili sauce for extra richness.

Stir and continue simmering for another 20 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming chili into bowls.

Top with shredded cheddar cheese or your favorite chili toppings.

Get ready for a flavor explosion that would make Kevin Malone proud!

Brian’s Chili Recipe from The Office Tips

• Choose lean ground turkey for a healthier version or 80/20 ground beef for rich flavor, ensuring meat is browned thoroughly without burning.
• Adjust chili powder quantities to personalize heat; start with less and gradually add more for perfect spiciness without overwhelming taste.
• Drain and rinse beans partially to maintain some sauce while preventing excess liquid, creating a thicker, more robust chili consistency.
• Let chili simmer longer than recommended for more intense taste; slow cooking allows spices and ingredients to meld together beautifully.
• Chili tastes even better the next day, so consider preparing in advance and refrigerating overnight to develop deeper, more complex flavors.

Storing Brian Baumgartner’s Famous Chili

• Transfer leftover chili to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Pour chili into a saucepan, add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly and bubbling.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.

What to Sip With Eyeball Punch

• Pair Tangy Beer: Grab a crisp, hoppy IPA that cuts through the chili's richness, balancing its bold flavors and cleansing the palate with each sip.
• Complement with Cornbread: Whip up a warm, slightly sweet cornbread to serve alongside the chili, its crumbly texture and golden crust providing the perfect contrast to the hearty stew.
• Refresh with Zesty Salad: Create a light, citrusy green salad with cucumber and lime vinaigrette to add brightness and cut through the chili's deep, robust flavors.
• Cool Down with Sour Cream: Top the chili with a dollop of cool, tangy sour cream that mellows the spice and adds a creamy, smooth counterpoint to the dish's intensity.

Chili Recipe With Classic Twists

• Lean Protein Power: Replace ground turkey or beef with ground chicken or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, lower-fat version.
• Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Swap meat with extra beans like black beans, lentils, or quinoa for a protein-packed vegetarian alternative that maintains hearty texture.
• Keto-Friendly Chili Pot: Eliminate beans and replace tomato sauce with low-carb tomato puree, adding extra ground meat to boost fat content and maintain keto macronutrient ratios.
• Spice Explorer's Edition: Introduce smoky chipotle peppers, increase chili powder quantity, or add diced jalapeños for an intensified heat profile that transforms the classic recipe into a fiery experience.

FAQs

• What makes Brian Baumgartner's chili recipe unique?

This chili recipe stands out for its combination of ground meat, multiple bean varieties, and blend of spices that create a rich, deep flavor profile typical of classic Midwestern-style chili.

• Can I adjust the spice level of this chili?

Yes, you can control the heat by modifying the amount of chili powder and ancho chili powder. For a milder version, reduce these spices; for more heat, add extra or include some red pepper flakes.

• Is ground turkey a good substitute for beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works perfectly in this recipe and offers a leaner protein option while maintaining the chili’s robust taste and texture. The key is to brown the meat thoroughly and ensure it’s well-seasoned.

• How do I prevent my chili from becoming too watery?

To maintain a thick consistency, avoid adding too much water and let the chili simmer uncovered during the last few minutes of cooking. This allows excess liquid to evaporate and helps concentrate the flavors.

What Makes The Office Chili Recipe So Memorable

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Perfect for busy families craving a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adaptable with different proteins, beans, or toppings to suit individual taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Classic: A universally loved dish that brings people together, inspired by the iconic scene from The Office with guaranteed deliciousness.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable ingredients like ground meat, canned beans, and pantry staples, making it an economical dinner option that doesn't compromise on flavor.

Office Chili Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Chili lovers rejoice as Brian Baumgartner’s famous Office chili recipe brings comforting flavors straight from Scranton’s beloved paper company. Simmered with love and generous chunks of beef, this classic dish delivers a robust meal that warms hearts and satisfies hungry souls.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds lean ground turkey (or lean ground beef)

Vegetables:

• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Canned Ingredients and Sauces:

• 1 can (6 ounces / 170 grams) tomato paste
• 1 can (24 ounces / 680 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (16 ounces / 454 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 can (16 ounces / 454 grams) Bush’s Pinto Beans in a Mild Chili Sauce, undrained
• 1 can (16 ounces / 454 grams) Bush’s Kidney Beans in a Mild Chili Sauce, undrained

Seasonings and Other:

• 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil (or cooking oil)
• 1/2 cup water (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 4 teaspoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ancho chili powder
• 4 teaspoons oregano
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Garnish:

• Shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare the aromatic base by heating grapeseed oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, sautéing finely chopped onions, green bell peppers, and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
2. Introduce ground turkey or beef to the pot, breaking the meat into small crumbles while browning thoroughly to develop rich, deep flavors.
3. Enhance the mixture by stirring in tomato paste, ensuring every morsel of meat and vegetable gets coated with the concentrated tomato essence.
4. Create the chili foundation by incorporating diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and a carefully measured splash of water to achieve the desired consistency.
5. Build complex flavor layers by adding black pepper, salt, chili powder, ancho chili powder, dried oregano, and a touch of sugar to balance the acidity.
6. Allow the chili to reach a vigorous boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently, covered, for approximately 30 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
7. Enrich the chili by introducing pinto and kidney beans with their accompanying sauce, stirring gently to integrate and continue simmering for an additional 20 minutes.
8. Finish the dish by ladling the robust chili into serving bowls, topping with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese or your preferred garnishes.

Notes

• Use lean ground turkey for a healthier twist, cutting down on saturated fat while maintaining robust flavor.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder and adding diced jalapeños for extra kick.
• Consider making this recipe vegetarian by replacing meat with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or lentils.
• Batch cook and freeze in portions for quick weeknight meals, as chili often tastes better after flavors meld overnight.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg