Michael'S "Foot Stompin" Chili
Michael's 'Foot Stompin' Chili is a hearty, smoky dish packed with beef, pork, and bacon, featuring spicy chili peppers and rich tomato flavors, perfect for bold flavor lovers.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. ground pork ⓘ
- 1 lb. round steak (1/2-inch slices) ⓘ
- 3 dried red chili peppers, crushed ⓘ
- 3 (4 oz.) cans jalapeno peppers ⓘ
- 3 medium white onions, chopped coarsely ⓘ
- Crisco ⓘ
- Tomato paste or cornmeal to thicken (optional) ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, finely crushed
- 1 Tbsp. cumin ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt (optional) ⓘ
- 3 (8 oz.) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 3 c. water ⓘ
- 3 bacon slices ⓘ
Instructions
- Fry bacon slices until crispy, then set aside.
- In bacon grease, fry chopped onions and crushed garlic until translucent.
- Strain onions and garlic, discarding bacon grease.
- Fry pork slices in Crisco until cooked, then strain and set aside, saving Crisco.
- Fry round steak strips in the pork Crisco until browned.
- Drain steak and combine with pork in a large kettle.
- Fry ground beef with onions and garlic until browned.
- Drain off grease and add ground beef mixture to the kettle with other meats.
- Add water, tomato paste, crushed fried bacon, and crushed red chili peppers.
- Bring to a simmer and cook on medium heat until flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground meats such as beef and pork, as in this recipe. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute with lentils or mushrooms to maintain texture. Adjust the heat by using more or fewer chili peppers according to your taste. If you have leftover jalapenos, they can add an extra kick to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chili with a side of cornbread or over rice for a complete meal. Garnish with chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, or sour cream for added creaminess. It also pairs beautifully with Kim Brown'S Crunchy Beef Casserole for a comforting dinner spread, or enjoy it with a fresh salad on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. This chili also freezes well; just ensure it's completely cooled before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Michael'S "Foot Stompin" Chili contains roughly 783 calories, with 33g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (181% of the Daily Value), protein (66% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (52% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2811mg per serving (122% 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 refrigerate it after cooking and reheat when ready to serve. It can even taste better the next day, making it a great option for meal prep or gatherings.
Is it possible to make this chili spicier?
Yes! To increase the heat level, you can add more crushed red chili peppers or include additional jalapenos. For an extra kick, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce during cooking to reach your desired spice level.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
If you're looking for alternatives to ground beef, consider using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian twist, try substituting with black beans or textured vegetable protein, which can provide a similar texture and hearty feel.
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).