Captain Amigo'S Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili with beef, sausage, and rich spices, perfect for feeding a crowd and suited for comfort food lovers and gatherings alike.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 12 oz. Portuguese sausage (mild), cut in 1/4-inch pieces ⓘ
- 3 lb. Chateaubriand, pounded ⓘ
- 8 large cloves garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 4 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 8 Tbsp. bacon fat
- 4 (28 oz.) cans tomatoes ⓘ
- 4 cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 7 fresh tomatoes, 3 diced and 4 processed ⓘ
- 8 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 8 Tbsp. cocoa powder ⓘ
- 16 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 c. chili powder ⓘ
- 8 bay leaves ⓘ
- 5 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. fresh basil ⓘ
- 10 c. bottled water ⓘ
Instructions
- Put all dry ingredients, herbs, water, canned tomatoes, paste, and sauce in a large pot and heat on medium.
- In a frying pan, sauté crushed garlic and half of the chopped onion in bacon fat.
- Add the cut beef and Portuguese sausage to the pan and cook until browned.
- Add the cooked meat and sausage to the large pot of sauce.
- In the same pan, brown the ground beef with the remaining chopped onions.
- Add the browned ground beef and onions to the sauce pot.
- Add the fresh diced tomatoes last, during the final 30 minutes of cooking.
- Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until all flavors meld, about 1-2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the mix. If you want to use a leaner meat, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef. Additionally, using smoked paprika can enhance the flavor profile, giving it a unique twist. Remember to adjust the salt accordingly if using a pre-seasoned sausage.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Captain Amigo's Chili with warm cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of coleslaw or a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast. For extra flavor, top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro. This chili also makes an excellent filling for tacos or burritos.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, covered to avoid splatters, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Captain Amigo'S Chili contains roughly 1247 calories, with 43g protein, 198g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (246% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1721mg per serving (75% 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! This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can make it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving. It's also great for meal prep and freezes well for up to three months.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef and sausage with plant-based meat alternatives or extra beans like black beans or kidney beans. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
What can I serve this chili with?
Captain Amigo's Chili goes wonderfully with toppings such as shredded cheese, diced onions, and avocado. Serve it alongside tortilla chips for crunch or over a bed of macaroni for a comforting twist reminiscent of a Carry-Along Dish.
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).