98 Octane Chili
A bold, spicy chili drenched in red wine and cocoa, blending savory meat with fiery peppers for a hearty, adventurous meal that satisfies bold palates.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle cheap dry red wine ⓘ
- 1 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 1 lb hot sausage ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, diced ⓘ
- 1 large bell pepper, diced
- 3-4 tbsp chili powder ⓘ
- 2 tsp ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 tsp black pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp oregano ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 tsp crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 4-6 jalapeno peppers ⓘ
- 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder ⓘ
- 1-2 (16 oz.) cans red pinto or kidney beans ⓘ
- 32 oz tomato sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Drink all but 1 cup of the wine to establish a smoky base.
- Sauté the ground beef, hot sausage, onions, bell pepper, jalapeno peppers, and garlic in a large pot until the meat is browned.
- Add the remaining wine, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, black pepper, oregano, crushed red pepper, cocoa powder, and beans.
- Simmer the chili for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally until flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a higher quality red wine or adding a splash of smoked chipotle sauce. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, swap the beef and sausage for plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of wine. Adjust the heat by varying the number of jalapenos or crushed red pepper to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top. It pairs beautifully with Texas Chili With Cornbread Topping for a comforting meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving with warm crusty bread or a simple green salad to balance the heat.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen it if necessary, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 98 Octane Chili contains roughly 1227 calories, with 59g protein, 171g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (262% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (195% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 931mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making chili a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it before serving. Many chili enthusiasts agree that the taste improves after a day in the fridge.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be used instead. For a vegetarian version, substitute with lentils or canned beans. This will keep the dish hearty while accommodating different dietary preferences.
How can I make this chili less spicy?
To reduce the spiciness, remove the seeds from the jalapenos before adding them. You can also decrease the amount of crushed red pepper and chili powder. Consider incorporating a bit of sugar or honey to balance the heat if it gets too intense.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).