This easy-to-make chili comes together fast but can be made a day ahead of time if you want. Just cool it and store it in the fridge overnight inside an airtight container or with the lid of the pot on it. Heat it up right before serving. In fact, the chili improves overnight, as the spices and ingredients have time to slowly marry together as it chills.
Course dinner, lunch, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword chili, game day, party food
Prep Time 10 minutesminutes
Cook Time 45 minutesminutes
Servings 6
Calories 822kcal
Author Irvin
Ingredients
1tablespoonolive oil
1large yellow onionchopped
1red bell pepperchopped, can substitute another colored bell pepper
4clovesgarlicminced
1 1/2poundsground beef
3/4poundItalian-style sausagehot or mild
2tablespoonschili powder blendlook for one that has garlic and other spices blended in
1tablespoonground cumin
1teaspoonred pepper flakesmore if you like your chili spicy
1/2teaspooncayenne peppermore if you like your chili spicy
In a large Dutch pan or stock pot add the oil, onions and red bell pepper. Cook over medium heat until the bell pepper starts to soften, and the onion starts to turn translucent. Add the garlic and continue to cook until the garlic is fragrant and softened, about a minute more. Don’t let the onions or garlic brown.
Add the ground beef and the Italian sausage. Continue to cook until the meat browned and is mostly cooked (don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked through just yet).
Add the chili powder, cumin, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, and tomato paste. Add the additional optional “secret ingredients” seasonings if you wish. Cook for about 30 seconds or until the spices smell fragrant.
Add canned tomatoes with liquid and beer. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 20 minutes or until the liquid has been reduced to about half the amount.
Add the drained kidney beans and cook for an additional 15 minutes uncovered. While the chili is simmering, chop and prepare the toppings for the chili.Serve immediately with toppings of your choice.