Big Batch Chili…. This is my all-time favorite chili recipe that I have been using for years!
It is perfect when you have a crowd to feed. Whether it be for a tail-gating party on a cold, windy day….or you are cheering for your team in the comfort of your own home. PT claims you always have the best seat when you watch from your own home, plus you save a bundle by not shelling out the big bucks to watch it live in the stadium!! Another bonus? You don’t have the jerk behind you spilling beer down your back! In my book, that is called a win/win.
I love curling up on my favorite chair, good book in hand, listening to the boys yell at the tv, claiming they could do better……. armchair quarterback anyone? ….. HA ….. K has NEVER played football and when B gave it a shot, he was afraid of getting hit. What did I just say? I know, I know…..you are shaking your head in wonder! He checks, and is checked into the boards frequently and very roughly in hockey, YET didn’t like getting hit playing football. Go figure, right??
This is also a great recipe when you are trying to get ahead of the game, tucking some meals into the freezer for the future. Speaking of planning ahead, have you all made these wonderful chocolate chip cookie dough balls? I promise, you will not regret making these! Get the recipe here, and the tip here.
Speaking of planning ahead, every year I say that I am going to spend one Sunday every month volume cooking. Some call this freezer cooking! I call it a huge time-saver when I get home from work and have NO DESIRE to even think about cooking dinner. Every year I add this to my New Year’s resolution, and every year I never get to cross it off my list. I should make 2013 the year that ‘could’. Stay tuned……
I love how the scents of this chili fills the house while simmering. I tend to cook this in the slow cooker, but you can cook it on the stove if you are pressed for time. Either way it is delicious. I warn you, though, it is spicy. If you can’t take the heat, just tone the chili powder and red pepper a little. Think it needs more spice……jack these spices up! You will find this recipe very forgiving! I still play around with the spices and vegetables I add in. It all depends on what I have hanging around the house. I don’t care if Kroger’s is right down the street, I will make do…… or in a real pinch, send PT! That is a job requirement of husbands, right? You must go to the grocery store whenever your wife does not feel like it! =)
I can’t wait to hear what you think of this Big Batch Chili!
Big Batch Chili
Serves: 15-18 {Printable Recipe}
Ingredients:
- 5 pounds ground chuck
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 1 large green pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 (14 ½ oz) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
- 3 (14 ½ oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (6 oz) can jalapenos
- 12-16 oz Lager beer, or whatever you have on hand
- ¼ cup chili powder
- 1 T sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- ½ tsp sweet chipotle powder
- 1 tsp red pepper
- 4 bay leaves
- 2 (16 oz) cans light red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (16 oz) can red beans
Optional Toppings: Sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions & black olives
Directions:
- Cook ground chuck in a large skillet over medium/high heat , stirring until meat crumbles and is no longer pink; drain. Place meat in a 6-8 quart slow cooker and stir in the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 6 hours.
- Remove bay leaves and serve with your choice of toppings. Store leftovers in glass containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Notes:
-This chili freezes very well. Cool completely and then put batches into freezer Ziploc bags and lay on freezer shelf. I like to lay the Ziploc bags on a cookie sheet, makes it easier and there isn’t a chance of the chili sliding through the shelf slats. Freeze up to 2 months.
-You don’t have to use a slow cooker, this can also be done on the stove. Follow directions, but bring mixture to boil and then simmer on stove (covered) for up to 6 hours. Stir occasionally.
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I love adding green pepper to chili! The rest of your recipe sounds GREAT. I’ve used the same recipe for years, but I’d definitely give yours a try!!
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xo, Meredith @ http://www.waittilyourfathergetshome.com