The best CHILI

What you'll need:

• 1lb ground beef

• 1lb hot breakfast sausage ( I used jimmy dean

• 1/2 poblano pepper ( deseeded and finely diced)

• 1 small bell pepper (finely diced)

• 4 garlic cloves (minced)

• 1 medium onion (finely diced)

• 4 oz tomato paste

• 28oz can crushed tomatoes

• 1/3 -1/2 cup sweet baby rays sweet n spicy bbq sauce ( start with 1/3 cup, add more to taste)

• 3/4 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1.5 cups lager beer ( i used PBR)

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1 tsp of better than bouillon beef base (optional)

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tbsp of honey or sugar

• 2 cans dark red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)

• 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)

  Homemade Chili Seasoning:

  • 3 tbsp chili powder, 2 tsp garlic powder , 2 tsp onion powder, 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp smoked paprika , 2 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper , 1/4 tsp or more of cayenne pepper ( depending on how spicy you like it)

  
  

  Directions:

1. On medium high- heat , add the beef and breakfast sausage to a pot and cook until browned. Remove the meat, drain any excess fat, and set aside.

2. Carefully remove the remaining grease from the pot using a paper towel.

3. In the same pot, heat the oil, once hot add the vegetables and generous pinch of salt. Sauté until softened, then add the garlic and cook until fragrant.

4. Return the meat to the pot, stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes.

5. Add the crushed tomatoes, bbq sauce, cocoa powder, beer, broth, BTB beef base, balsamic vinegar, seasonings, worcestershire sauce and honey. Stir to combine.

6. Simmer uncovered for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to develop. If chili becomes too thick add beef broth 1/4 cup at a time to loosen.

7. Add the beans and cook another 10- 15 minutes. Stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed/

8. Serve and Enjoy!

*I like to serve it with sharp cheddar, sour cream , jalapeños , chives and cornbread.

*The chili is even better the next day, and the leftovers are so versatile such as:

• chili cheese dogs and fries, served over rice, piled high on a baked potato.