Chili Recipe

Big Time Chili

I love to get back in the kitchen and food is the best when you have people to share it with.  This recipe is great for Monday Night Football if you've invited your friends over and promised to feed them, but don't have much money to spend.  This recipe doesn't cost much money or take much effort, especially if you like to cook.  Get your crock pot out because this is a Quick Prep, Slow Cook Recipe.

Chili, like a Bloody Mary, is an open canvas.  I will share my favorite home chili recipe, and then a list of ingredients that were found in some other notable chili recipes.  There is also a multitude of ways to serve chili.

1.5 lbs beef ( you choice fat content, don't go above 90/10.  Fat is flavor here.)

1 c. onion diced

4 cloves garlic minced

1 can black beans

1 can garbanzo beans

1 can kidney beans

1 can Rotel's tomatoes and chilis

1 sm or 1/2 can of corn

1 sm can of whole green chilis

1 can of refried beans

1 amber/dark beer

1 pkg of Carrol Shelby's Original Texas Brand Chili kit

Start by browning the beef. At the last minute add your onions and garlic.  Carefully drain off half of the liquid in the pan, add what remains, meat and juice to the crock-pot.  Empty contents of Carrol Shelby's Texas chili kit (empty all packets) and add the kidney, black and garbanzo beans as well as the Rotels tomatoes, the chilis and the corn. In addition, add one amber or brown beer.  Start the crock-pot and cook on low for 2 hours.  Check, stir and add refried beans to chili and cook for 2 hours more.  This has got to be one of the easiest and most delicious recipes around.

Serving Ideas:

-hot dogs, fries, nachos, chili cheese Tater Tots, chili Mac, etc

Toppings:  shredded cheddar, jack or jalepeno jack cheese, sour cream, salsa,  diced white or sweet onion, and diced tomato.  Fritos or torilla chips are also great.

Hot Sauces:  many of us have our favorites, but for me, I have 3 go to's
       - Cholula, Tapatio, and Sriracha

This chili is amazing, but there are so many more ingredients that you can add, here is a list for some ideas.

Additions:

-bacon

-green pepper

-red pepper

-jalepenos

-brown sugar

-whorstesire

-bbq sauce

-chalula

LIQUIDS: chicken stock, vegi stock, water, canned tomato paste or tomato sauce.

SPICES: cayenne, paprika, black pepper,,chili powder, crushed red pepper, cumin, oregano, etc.

If you are preparing this recipe just for yourself or a small group, pre-portioned leftovers freeze up nicely and reheat for well for future dinners or snacks.

This recipe should be both easy and delicious, as well as an affordable option when having guests for a party or just stretching your food dollar throughout the winter.  Some people like to leave the meat out, some people like to leave the beans out.  Try it however you like, but enjoy cooking and you will enjoy what you make all that much more.