Game Day Chili!

It’s game day, America!

It’s time to get your tailgate on, no matter where you’re from. Whether your home team made it to the Super Bowl (Go Pats!) or not, I suspect most of America will be watching the game today. But for many what’s even more important than the game itself, is the food that goes along with it.

Today we’re making chili.  It's such a perfect food to pair with a football game, wouldn’t you agree? I’m not much for writing (or following) recipes; I tend to make it up as I go but here’s a rough “recipe” (with pictures) for our game day go-to meal. Feel free to follow these instructions or just do what I do and make it your own

Pantry ingredients

Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Over medium heat, saute onions and 

garlic until translucent. Next, add the ground beef and brown over medium to med-high heat. Drain. While the meat is cooking, add both cans of beans to slow cooker and set on low.

Kidney and black beans in the slow cooker

When the meat is cooked through, add the tomatoes, tomato paste and spices*.  Simmer for about 10 minutes to incorporate and cook off some of the juices from the tomatoes.

*Honestly, I just wing it with the spices.  I tend to make my chili more mild to accommodate all tastes. Remember, you can always make it spicier, but you can never take the spices out.

Set it and forget it

Combine the meat mixture with the beans in the slow cooker.  Cook on low setting for about 6 hours (or until you can't stand the delicious smell coming from your kitchen anymore.)

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1 can kidney beans, drained and liquid reserved

1 can black beans, drained and liquid reserved

1 can diced tomatoes

1 can tomato paste

1/4 onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

chili powder, cayenne pepper, cumin

Make it your own

Do you like your chili extra spicy? Add jalapenos.  Not into red meat? Make it with ground turkey instead.  Sometimes I'll add 1 cup of frozen corn kernels 30 minutes before serving.  There's endless potential for add-ins.

I serve my chili with sour cream, shredded cheddar, Cholula and corn bread on the side.  Enjoy!

What's your essential game day food? What are you making or eating?

.. Laura ..