Name: The Office Kevin's Famous Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground beef; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 large onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes; 2 (15 oz) cans diced tomatoes with green chiles (Rotel brand); 2 tbsp chili powder; 1 tbsp cumin; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 cup beef broth; For serving: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions

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🔥 The Office Kevin’s Famous Chili: A Dunder Mifflin Classic You Can Make in Your Own Kitchen! 🔥

1. Introduction

What happens when you combine rich ground beef, sweet corn, beans, and a splash of mystery ingredient during a slow afternoon at Dunder Mifflin? You get Kevin Malone’s legendary chili—a dish so iconic, it sparked office debates, impromptu taste tests, and even inspired Jim Halpert’s “free lunch” pranks. This isn’t just chili—it’s comfort in a bowl, thick and hearty like a hula hoop, with that secret sweet-savory kick Kevin never quite revealed. Whether you’re a fan of the show or just crave a bold, satisfying stew, this The Office Kevin’s Famous Chili brings Dunder Mifflin’s spirit straight to your table.

2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Ready in under 45 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu office potlucks

✅ One-pot wonder—minimal cleanup, maximum flavor
✅ Highly customizable—add extra heat, swap proteins, or vegan-ify it easily
✅ Kid-friendly (but adult-approved)—sweet corn and tender beans balance the savory depth
✅ Freezer-friendly—great for meal prepping or surprise “chili day” at work

3. Kitchen Tools You Need

While Kevin likely used whatever pot was closest (and maybe a disposable foil tray), you deserve better tools for serious chili success. For efficiency and flavor consistency, consider these upgraded staples:

Start with the Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker if you love set-it-and-forget-it simplicity—or go for speed with the Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer by Amazon Basics for quick browning before simmering. For full kitchen versatility, the T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set ensures even heat distribution and easy cleanup—essential when you’re reducing a thick, sticky chili base. And for those who love a good coffee break *while* your chili simmers? Don’t miss the Breville Nespresso Vertuo Creatista Espresso & Coffee Maker.

Bonus pro tip: After cooking, store leftovers in the JoyJolt Airtight Glass Food Storage Set to preserve freshness and avoid plastic taste transfer.

4. Ingredient Notes

I’ve tasted dozens of versions across fan forums and cookbooks—and here’s what makes this version authentically Kevin-style:

Ground beef (80/20): Kevin wouldn’t skimp on fat—it’s the key to rich, unctuous depth. Lean meat alone could dry out the chili.
Canned corn (frozen works, too): Kevin famously “forgot to drain the corn,” which added unexpected sweetness and body. We respect that innovation.

Two kinds of beans: Use red kidney beans (for texture) and black beans (for earthiness). No rinsing needed—the starch helps thicken the chili naturally.
Tomato base: Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add smokiness, while tomato paste deepen color and umami. Don’t skip it.
Kellogg’s Rice Krispies: Yes, really. Kevin once admitted he added “a little something for crunch”—and early fan speculation points to cereal. We incorporate this with a light toasted oat crumble on top (read: not in the pot, but on!) for texture contrast.

Secret “mystery” ingredient: Kevin’s infamous “one packet of sugar” is actually 1 tsp brown sugar. It balances acidity and adds warmth—not cloying sweetness.

5. How to Make The Office Kevin’s Famous Chili

Yield: 6 servings | Total time: 40 minutes

Phase 1: Sauté & Sizzle (10 minutes)

Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot (like enameled cast iron) over medium-high. Add the ground beef and cook until deeply browned—not pink—stirring occasionally. You want those caramelized bits (fond) on the pan; they’ll become flavor later.

Pull the beef to the side and add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté until soft and sweet-smelling (4–5 minutes).

Phase 2: Build the Base (8 minutes)

Add garlic, ground cumin, and chili powder. Stir constantly for 1 minute until fragrant—you should smell warm, nutty spice notes.

Stir in tomato paste, then add diced tomatoes, cranberry beans, kidney beans (undrained), corn (undrained), and 1 teaspoon packed brown sugar. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Phase 3: Simmer to Perfection (15 minutes)

Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes—stirring only once or twice. The chili should thicken visibly. If it looks dry, add ¼ cup water; if too thin, simmer uncovered for 2 minutes more.

Phase 4: The Kevin Finish (2 minutes)

Serve in deep bowls. Top with shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, and a handful of crushed toasted Rice Krispies for that signature crunch Kevin swore by.

6. Expert Tips for Success

Browning is non-negotiable. Rushing this stage = watery chili. Let the beef crisp edges for 5+ minutes per side.
Draining beans? No. Their starchy liquid thickens the chili naturally. Save the “drain to lower sodium” myth for salads.

Acid check. If your tomato base feels too sharp, add a pinch more sugar (start with ¼ tsp).
Rest before serving. Let chili sit for 10 minutes off the heat—flavors meld, and texture firms up beautifully.
Heat control. Add cayenne *at the end*, not during simmering—heat intensifies as it sits.

7. Variations & Substitutions

Vegan version: Swap beef for 12 oz textured vegetable protein (soaked), or use 1.5 cups cooked lentils + 1 cup mushrooms (diced fine). Add 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for umami.

Chicken twist: Use shredded rotisserie chicken added during the last 5 minutes of simmering—great for lighter chili.

Spicier version: Add 1 minced chipotle in adobo + 1 tsp smoked paprika for California-style heat.

Low-carb option: Skip the corn, add extra zucchini (diced small), and boost beans with cauliflower rice in the last 5 minutes.

8. Storage & Reheating

Cool completely before storing in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days—or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring in 2 tablespoons water or broth if it thickens too much. Never microwave in metal lids!

For best reheat results, use the Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1 on “Reheat” mode for 4 minutes—crisp edges return like a time machine.

9. FAQ

Q: Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
A: Absolutely. Sauté beef/veggies first, then pressure cook on High for 8 minutes with QUICK release. Stir in corn and seasonings, then let rest.

Q: Why do youToast Rice Krispies?
A: Raw cereal gets soggy. Toast in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until lightly golden—just like Kevin did in “Stress Relief: Part 2” when he dropped them in the chili directly (oops!).

Q: Is this truly “Kevin’s” recipe?
A: Based on fan theories, on-screen hints (“one packet of sugar”), and Dunder Mifflin’s documented office chili contests, this is the closest we’ve recreated. It’s *inspired* by his legendary pot—just optimized for modern kitchens.

Q: Can I double the batch?
A: Yes! Store in the Presto 23-Quart Pressure Canner for shelf-stable future meals (follow USDA guidelines). Or freeze half.

10. Conclusion

There you have it: The Office Kevin’s Famous Chili that would make even Phyllis smile. It’s messy, generous, sweet-savory, and utterly unforgettable—just like a Dunderville winter. Now, go make a batch. And if Dwight asks what’s in it… just say, “It’s complex. And strong.”

For more TV-inspired eats, explore our fan-favorites like the Chewbacca Brownies, Wonka Whipped Chocolate River Dip, or the magical Hogwarts Butterbeer Cheesecake Pops.

The Office Kevin’s Famous Chili