Spicy Chili

Spicy Chili has tender, shredded beef, flavored with barbecue sauces, salsa, peppers, beans, seasonings and ALOT of heat.

Let the sweating ensue.

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This family favorite Spicy Chili will definitely get temperatures rising! Believe it or not, Spicy Chili was served every year at my dad’s annual 4th of July party. Blazing hot, sometimes humid, but we couldn’t wait for my Uncle to bring his Spicy Chili and sweat even more!

My Aunt would come out with small bowls in her hand and we each would grab a bowl without hesitation. And then, the sound of sniffling took over the chirping birds. Noses would start running, some would start sneezing and some would..well say a curse word or two.

Spicy Chili Ingredients

• 10 cups of water

• 2-3 pounds boneless chuck roast

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 bay leaves

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

• 1 16 ounce jarred HOT Picante style salsa

• 1 6 ounce can tomato paste

• 1 bottle Hickory bbq sauce

• 1 bottle Original bbq sauce

• 1 green pepper, diced

• 3 cans red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 cup whole, peeled canned tomatoes, roughly chopped (with juices)

• 8 jalapeños, sliced (seeded or not)

• 2 tablespoons chili powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

Spicy Chili has quite a number of ingredients, however only minimal prepping is required. That’s because most of the ingredients come from a bottle or can. Now it’s time to get things “heated” up.

“Where’s the beef?”

I totally miss that Wendy’s commercial with those old ladies! Anyway, here’s the beef, about the beef. Start by setting up a crockpot on low heat and add in the first 5 ingredients. Cook for 7-8 hours or until meat falls apart.

Remove the meat, reserving the broth, and shred it. Put it aside until the sauce is ready.

You can do the above a day before. That way, when you’ve finished making the sauce all that’s left to do is add the shredded beef. Easy, peasy.

Spicy Chili Willy Time

Ok, let’s start combining the rest of the ingredients. Grab yourself a large stock pot placing it on the stove. Next add in the salsa, tomato paste, both bottles of barbecue sauce. Stir until well combined.

Next up, add in the sliced jalapeños and diced green peppers followed by chopped up tomatoes and kidney beans. Stir again! Cover and simmer for a couple of hours.

Finish the Spicy Chili sauce up by tossing in the beef bouillon cubes, chili powder and adding one ladle, of reserved beef broth, at a time. Stir after every ladle of broth.

You are looking for a thin consistency. Most chili recipes are thick and heavy. This Spicy Chili should have a broth based soup consistency. Maybe a tad bit thicker.

Lastly, add in the shredded meat and stir. Cover and simmer for a couple more hours so all those flavors come together. Taste and adjust seasoning if need be.

How to serve Spicy Chili

We would eat this chili as an appetizer, however now when I make it, it’s for dinner.

Using a ladle, place the Spicy Chili into bowls and kindly wish your friends and family good luck! Have some tissues handy and get ready for the symphony of sounds to begin.

As far as topping go, well, we kept it very simple, and still do. For me, and how I grew up eating it, there is no need for the usual suspects of sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado and any other toppings. It is perfect on its own. But as with anything, you do you. I do like serving this Spicy Chili with my Dilly Bread.

Of course, you can eliminate the jalapeños all together and just make it Chili or you can add in a habanero or 2 for an over the top experience. Come on and get those endorphins pumping! I’d love to hear from you once you try it.~Christina

FAQ’S

1. Can you freeze leftover Spicy Chili?
   
   Absolutely. You can use individual freezer containers or one big one. I like to put a layer of Saran Wrap over the chili to help avoid frost bite.
   
2. 2. Can you make this the day before?
   
   Yes. And as mentioned above, cooking the beef the day before really frees up your time. But you can make the entire chili the day before and refrigerate it. Just warm it up before serving.