I love making chili for a big crowd because it is so easy, inexpensive and it tastes even better prepared in advance. It is the perfect thing to serve for a laid back and casual night in. Along side the chili, I put together bowls of shredded cheese, chopped scallions, cilantro and sour cream. I like chips with my chili – but cornbread or rolls work too.

My Hot & Spicy Chili Recipe (serves about 10 people)

Ingredients:

• 1 large sweet onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno, minced
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 3 pounds ground beef (80/20)
• half a container chili powder
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 28 ounce diced tomatoes with chilis
• 1 14 ounce can tomato sauce
• 1 14 ounce can tomato paste
• 1 tiny can of chipotle peppers and sauce, chopped (probably about 5 peppers total)
• 1 bottle dark beer
• 2 28 ounce can red kidney beans, drained
• salt and pepper

Assembly: My advice is to season each layer with salt and pepper until you get it just right! In a large pot, saute onions, garlic and jalapeno in olive oil until translucent. Add ground beef and cook until brown. Then add chili powder, cumin, all variety of tomatoes , chipotle peppers and beer. Simmer together and taste for seasoning. At this point you may want to add more cumin or chili powder. After it simmers for about 30 minutes to an hour , add the beans. I add the beans last so they don’t get too mushy. Refrigerate over night or serve right away.