Tailgate Heroes Chili
This Tailgate Heroes Chili is the ultimate game day companion, perfect for cheering on the Washington Redskins with friends and family. Packed with hearty ground beef, succulent Italian sausage, and a medley of fresh vegetables, this flavorful chili is a crowd-pleaser. The depth of flavor comes from the combination of aromatic spices, rich dark beer, and wholesome beans, creating a robust dish that warms your soul. While it maintains just the right amount of heat, it's still kid-friendly, making it the go-to recipe for all ages. Serve it with jalapenos and cheddar cheese for that extra zing, and watch it disappear in no time at your next tailgate gathering!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef
1 lb (none)
Italian sausage
2 links (remove skin)
Onion
1 large (chopped)
Bell pepper
1 (chopped)
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Mushrooms
8 ounces (sliced)
Chili powder
2 tablespoons (none)
Oregano
1 teaspoon (none)
Parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Hot sauce
1 tablespoon (none)
Whole tomatoes
1 (16 ounces) can (undrained)
Red kidney beans
1 (16 ounces) can (undrained)
Tomato paste
1 (6 ounces) can (none)
Dark beer
1 (none)
Shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups (for garnish)
Sliced jalapenos
1 (8 ounces) jar (for garnish)
Instructions
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The Night Before:
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1. Start by removing the skin from the Italian sausage and place it in a large skillet.
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2. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook both meats over medium heat until browned. Ensure they are well cooked and crumble as they brown.
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3. Drain the cooked meats and transfer them to a large pot.
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4. In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions, bell peppers, and sliced mushrooms until they soften, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic during the last two minutes of cooking to ensure it stays fragrant.
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5. Transfer the vegetable mixture to the pot with the meats.
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6. Add the undrained whole tomatoes to the pot and bring everything to a gentle simmer over medium heat, breaking up the tomatoes with a spoon.
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7. Stir in the chili powder, oregano, and parsley. Mix in the hot sauce for flavor, then remove from heat and let the chili cool before refrigerating overnight.
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Gameday:
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1. On the day of the game, light the burner and reheat the pot over medium heat.
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2. Add undrained red kidney beans to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
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3. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer. Mix in the tomato paste and your choice of dark beer for added richness; I recommend Newcastle or Guinness.
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4. Simmer the chili uncovered, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired thickness, about 30-45 minutes. If it becomes too thick, you can pour in a little more beer to loosen it up.
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5. Once ready, serve the chili hot in bowls and garnish with sliced jalapenos and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tailgate Heroes Chili?
Tailgate Heroes Chili is a hearty game day dish featuring ground beef, Italian sausage, vegetables, and dark beer, specifically designed to be enjoyed at football gatherings.
What types of meat are in this chili?
The recipe calls for one pound of ground beef and two links of Italian sausage with the skin removed.
Why should I make this chili the night before?
Refrigerating the chili overnight allows the aromatic spices and flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a more robust taste on game day.
What kind of beer is recommended for this recipe?
Dark beers are recommended for added richness; specifically, Newcastle or Guinness are excellent choices.
Is this chili very spicy?
While it contains chili powder and hot sauce, it is designed to be kid-friendly with just the right amount of heat. You can adjust the spice level with the garnish.
Do I need to drain the tomatoes and beans?
No, both the whole tomatoes and the red kidney beans should be added to the pot undrained to maintain the liquid and flavor.
How do I prepare the Italian sausage?
Remove the skin from the sausage links before browning them in a skillet with the ground beef.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The chili includes a large onion, one bell pepper, eight ounces of sliced mushrooms, and three minced garlic cloves.
How long does it take to simmer on game day?
On game day, the chili should simmer uncovered for about 30 to 45 minutes until it reaches your desired thickness.
What if the chili becomes too thick while simmering?
If the chili gets too thick, you can pour in a little more beer to loosen the consistency.
What are the suggested garnishes?
The recipe suggests serving the chili with shredded cheddar cheese and sliced jalapenos for an extra zing.
When should I add the garlic?
Add the minced garlic during the last two minutes of sautéing the vegetables to ensure it remains fragrant without burning.
What type of beans are used?
The recipe specifically calls for one 16-ounce can of red kidney beans.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While the exact serving count isn't specified, the ingredient list (over 1.5 lbs of meat plus beans and veg) typically serves 6 to 8 people.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The main seasonings are chili powder, oregano, and chopped parsley.
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, while Italian sausage is recommended for its flavor profile, you could substitute it with pork sausage or chorizo depending on your preference.
Do I need to chop the whole tomatoes?
The recipe instructs to add them whole and break them up with a spoon while they simmer in the pot.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is noted as a kid-friendly recipe that maintains a balanced heat level.
How much tomato paste is required?
The recipe uses one 6-ounce can of tomato paste added on game day to help thicken the chili.
Can I substitute the dark beer?
If you prefer not to use beer, you can substitute it with beef broth, though the flavor profile will lose some of the malty richness.
What is the first step in the preparation?
The first step is browning the ground beef and skinless Italian sausage in a large skillet until well-cooked and crumbled.
Should the meat be drained after cooking?
Yes, you should drain the excess fat from the cooked meats before transferring them to the large pot.
What is the texture of the vegetables?
The vegetables (onions, peppers, and mushrooms) should be sautéed until they soften, which takes about 5-7 minutes.
Is fresh or dried parsley used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley, which usually implies fresh for the best flavor.
How much chili powder is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of chili powder.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef for a leaner version of the chili.
What size can of whole tomatoes is needed?
One 16-ounce can of whole tomatoes is used in this recipe.
How much hot sauce should I add?
The recipe recommends 1 tablespoon of hot sauce, added during the initial cooling phase.
What is the best way to reheat the chili on game day?
Light your burner and reheat the pot over medium heat before adding the beans and final ingredients.
Can I use fresh jalapenos instead of jarred?
Yes, while the recipe lists jarred jalapenos, fresh sliced jalapenos can be used as a garnish for a crisper bite.