Kick Off Chili
Kick Off Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish combining ground meats, smoky sausage, and bold spices, perfect for satisfying gatherings and chili lovers seeking robust taste.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground pork sausage ⓘ
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 large bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 lb. smoked sausage, cut ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. oregano ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground coriander ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. celery seed
- 2 (28 oz.) cans S&W Ready Cut Tomatoes, undrained ⓘ
- 2 (27 oz.) cans S&W Kidney Beans, drained, reserve liquid ⓘ
- 1/3 cup yellow cornmeal ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef and ground pork sausage with garlic and onion.
- Add bell pepper and smoked sausage chunks.
- Cook 5 to 10 minutes longer over medium heat. Reduce to low and drain fat.
- Blend in spices and undrained tomatoes.
- Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Stir in drained kidney beans, reserving some bean liquid.
- In a bowl, blend some of the bean liquid with cornmeal to a pancake batter consistency.
- Mix the cornmeal mixture into the chili and simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot, preferably with corn bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of beef and pork sausage. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you want to add more heat, toss in some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. This chili can also be enhanced with a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of smoked paprika for depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Kick Off Chili hot with a side of cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. Garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Mary'S Dip for a delightful appetizer before your main course.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the chili on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. It can also be microwaved in a covered dish, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kick Off Chili contains roughly 1434 calories, with 59g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 80g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (180% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (119% of the Daily Value), and protein (118% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1576mg per serving (69% 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! Kick Off Chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just prepare it as directed, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving. It’s perfect for meal prep or for game day gatherings.
Is it possible to make this chili vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the meats and using additional beans or lentils as a protein source. You may also want to add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for texture and flavor.
What type of beans can I use in this recipe?
While kidney beans are traditional, you can substitute them with black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas for a different flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if using dried beans, as they'll need to be cooked separately before adding to the chili.
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).