Sunglasses Chili

Prep: 30 min Cook: 120 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A hearty chili featuring tender tip roast, spicy sausage, and flavorful vegetables, perfect for cold days and satisfying a group with bold, smoky flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 2.5 lb tip roast
  • 1 lb hot sausage
  • 5 cups chopped onions
  • 1 cup red bell pepper
  • 1 lb canned whole tomatoes
  • 14 oz Mexican stewed tomatoes
  • 3/4 cup chili powder
  • 1 Tbsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans

Instructions

  1. Season the tip roast with garlic, salt, and pepper, then brown in a large pan.
  2. Add water and cook the roast for 1 hour.
  3. Brown the hot sausage in an iron skillet.
  4. Remove sausage and set aside.
  5. Saute the chopped onions and red bell pepper with leftover sausage stock and 1/3 stick of butter.
  6. Remove the roast and cut into cubes.
  7. Add the canned whole tomatoes, Mexican stewed tomatoes, chili powder, salt, cayenne pepper, and kidney beans to the pot.
  8. Combine all ingredients and simmer until flavors meld, about 1 hour.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, try marinating the tip roast overnight with spices. If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the cayenne pepper or substitute with a milder variety. You can replace kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans for a different texture. If you want a thicker chili, add a tablespoon of tomato paste or use less broth.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Sunglasses Chili with a side of cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Aunt Penny'S Chili for a delightful chili night, and a fresh salad can balance the richness.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sunglasses Chili contains roughly 1213 calories, with 60g protein, 222g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (292% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (185% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1503mg per serving (65% of the Daily Value).

1213 kcal 61% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 59.6g 100% DV
Total Fat 30g 38% DV
Carbs 222.3g 81% DV
Fiber 81.8g 100% DV
Sugar 23.2g 46% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1503.4mg 65% DV
Potassium 5000mg 100% DV
Cholesterol 0.8mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3000mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 166.6mg 100% DV
Calcium 473.8mg 36% DV
Iron 27.7mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat

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 use a different cut of meat for this chili?

Yes, you can use other cuts like chuck roast or ground beef. Chuck roast will provide a similar texture, while ground beef will create a different consistency. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How can I make this chili vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, substitute the tip roast and sausage with plant-based alternatives like lentils, mushrooms, or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor and ensure that the beans are cooked through.

What can I do if my chili is too spicy?

If your chili turns out too spicy, you can add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt to balance the heat. Additionally, adding more beans or tomatoes can help tone down the spice level without sacrificing flavor.

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).

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