This hearty, flavorful chili is a perfect comfort food for cold days or any time you’re craving something bold and satisfying. With ground beef, breakfast sausage, a mix of colorful veggies, beans, and a blend of spices, this chili brings warmth with every spoonful. The addition of beer and a squeeze of ketchup adds a unique depth of flavor, making this chili a family favorite.
đź›’ Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef: Provides a hearty, rich base for the chili.
- 1 pound breakfast sausage: Adds extra depth of flavor and a hint of spice. Browning and draining the sausage keeps the chili from being too greasy.
- 1 green bell pepper: Adds sweetness and a fresh crunch.
- 1 red bell pepper: Adds another layer of sweetness and color to the chili.
- 1 small onion: Essential for building flavor. Onions add a savory depth to the dish.
- 1 jalapeño: Adds a touch of heat. Adjust the amount to your spice tolerance.
- 2 stalks celery: Adds a subtle crunch and balances the flavors with a hint of bitterness.
- 2 cups beef broth: The rich liquid base that helps meld all the flavors together.
- 1 can mild chili beans: Adds a tender texture and mild flavor that complements the spicy elements.
- 1 can light red kidney beans: Another bean variety that adds texture and substance to the chili.
- 1 can petite diced tomatoes: These provide acidity and a touch of sweetness.
- 4 teaspoons minced garlic: Garlic enhances the savory depth and overall aroma of the chili.
- 6 ounces tomato paste: Thickens the chili and adds concentrated tomato flavor.
- 1 cup Red’s Apple Ale beer (optional): This optional ingredient adds a subtle sweetness and tang, making the chili even richer.
- One nice big squeeze of ketchup: Ketchup adds sweetness and a tangy twist, balancing the spices.
🌶️ Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon pepper: Adds a bit of sharpness and heat.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Earthy and warm, cumin is a key spice in chili.
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano: Adds a subtle herbal note that complements the other spices.
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper: Provides heat. You can adjust this to your desired spice level.
- 1/2 cup chili powder: The star spice in chili, this adds a robust flavor and warmth.
👨‍🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Meat
- Brown the meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned. Make sure to break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat to prevent the chili from becoming too greasy.
Pro Tip: Browning the meat adds flavor by creating a savory crust on the surface of the beef and sausage.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- Prep the veggies: Dice the green and red bell peppers, onion, jalapeño, and celery.
- Sauté in olive oil: In a large skillet or the same pot after browning the meat, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced vegetables and sauté until they are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
Pro Tip: Sautéing the veggies helps release their natural flavors and caramelizes them slightly, enhancing the overall taste of the chili.
3. Combine and Simmer
- Mix it all together: Once the vegetables are sautéed, add them to the pot with the browned meat. Pour in the 2 cups of beef broth, the can of mild chili beans, the can of light red kidney beans, and the can of petite diced tomatoes. Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, making sure everything is well combined.
- Add the beer (optional): If you’re using the beer, pour in 1 cup of Red’s Apple Ale. This adds a subtle sweetness and tanginess to the chili. Stir in a nice big squeeze of ketchup, which adds another layer of flavor and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
Pro Tip: Let the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it simmers, the better it will taste.
4. Season to Perfection
- Season the chili: Add the seasonings—salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, and chili powder. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the chili. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more spice or salt as needed.
Pro Tip: Taste the chili as it simmers to ensure the seasoning is just right. Add more cayenne for heat, or a little sugar if the chili is too acidic.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish and serve: Once the chili has simmered and the flavors have developed, it’s ready to serve. You can garnish with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or cilantro. Serve with crusty bread or cornbread on the side for a complete meal.
Pro Tip: Chili often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to meld together. If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge and enjoy the chili again the following day.
⏲️ Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 servings
🍴 Tips and Variations
- Make it Spicier: If you love spicy chili, add more jalapeños or include other hot peppers like serrano or habanero. You can also increase the amount of cayenne pepper or use a spicier sausage.
- Vegetarian Option: To make this chili vegetarian, simply omit the meat and use more beans or add vegetables like zucchini, sweet potatoes, or mushrooms. You can also use a meat substitute like tofu crumbles or plant-based ground meat.
- Slow Cooker Option: This chili can easily be made in a slow cooker. Brown the meat and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Thicken the Chili: If you prefer a thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also mash some of the beans with a fork before adding them to the pot.
- Add Toppings: Chili is all about customization. Offer a variety of toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, or chopped fresh herbs so everyone can personalize their bowl.
- Storage and Freezing: Leftover chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well—simply cool the chili completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Pair with Sides: Chili pairs perfectly with cornbread, crusty bread, or tortilla chips. You can also serve it over rice or pasta for a heartier meal.
Final Thoughts
“My Husband Made Chili Today” is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for chilly days, game nights, or anytime you’re craving something hearty and delicious. With a balance of savory meat, tender beans, and a rich tomato base, this chili brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. Whether you’re making it with beer for a unique twist or sticking to the classic recipe, this chili is sure to be a hit. Enjoy it with your favorite toppings and sides for a meal that’s both filling and flavorful. 🍲