Grandma's Game Day Chili

Chili is a game day staple in our family. It's a snack, a topping, a meal, and makes the best leftovers!

Where I'm from, game day usually means there's a chill in the air and snow on the ground. There's nothing like my Grandma's Game Day Chili recipe simmering on the stove to make you feel warm, loved, and right at home.

Chili is not so much food as a state of mind. Addictions to it are formed early in life and the victims never recover. On blue days in October, I get this passionate yearning for a bowl of chili, and I nearly lose my mind. - Margaret Cousins

When I was little, we would all gather in granny's basement to watch the Superbowl. Every few minutes she would say, "Bradlee, can you go stir the chili?" I would proudly march upstairs like I was in charge and slowly lift the lid on her huge aluminum stockpot.

Steam would escape and fog up my glasses as the sweet and spicy aroma of chili filled the air. Granny's kitchen was my favorite place to be as a kid and the smell of chili still brings me right back to my childhood spent learning to cook and bake right by her side.

Chili is the perfect comfort food

Chili is an incredibly versatile food. Even my most picky child eats it - after she picks all the mushrooms out.

It can satisfy meat-eaters and vegans, spice lovers, and those who enjoy their food on the bland side. Beans are usually a staple, unless you're in Texas - then you better not let beans anywhere near your chili.

They take their chili very seriously in Texas!

That's the beauty of chili though - you can make it however you like it and enjoy it as a meal, a snack, or as a topping to create game-day nachos, fries, or even some chili-cheese dogs.

You can also add in crackers, Fritos, sour cream, cheese, a heaping pile of onions, noodles, and about a dozen other add-ins to create your most comforting bowl.

Next to jazz music, there is nothing that lifts the spirit and strengthens the soul more than a good bowl of chili. - Harry James

However you enjoy your chili, it's guaranteed to fill your belly and warm your spirit. The best part? It's easy to make, inexpensive, and game day guests can easily serve themselves - leaving you to enjoy the game!

Grandma's Game Day Chili

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (lean)
• 1 slice bacon
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 Tbsp tomato paste
• 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
• 2 8 oz cans diced hot tomatoes (or regular if you don't want the spice)
• 1 27 oz can kidney beans (or pinto beans)
• 1 small onion chopped
• 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• 3-4 cloves of fresh garlic (chopped)
• 2 heaping Tbsp brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp olive oil for cooking
• 3 tsp chili powder
• Salt and cayenne pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. In a large pot, fry the slice of bacon in the olive oil. Once the bacon is brown, take it out and add the ground beef and brown. Drain the excess fat.
2. Add the dried spices and stir (this brings out the flavor).
3. Add the chopped onions and bell pepper and stir on low heat until nothing sticks to the pot anymore.
4. Add the rest of the ingredients, except the beans, and simmer for an hour, stirring occasionally (or put in a crockpot to simmer).
5. After 45 minutes, add the beans and set the heat on medium heat for an additional 15 minutes.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning and sugar to get the flavor you like.