Italian Chili

It's football season.   Ben and my son are huge Ohio State football fans and they had the opportunity to go to a game in the horseshoe a few weeks ago.  (Thanks to a very generous uncle.)  I probably don't even need to say this but - yes, they had a fantastic time.  I can't help but thinking that the trip was a big mistake though - we now have a child who is completely convinced that he NEEDS to go to Ohio State.  He is certainly ready to spread his wings but the thought of sending him off to a school with 64,000 students is terrifying for this mom.  But, I digress.  Back to my origional point - it's football season which means it's time for football food.  And nothing says football like a bowl of Italian chili.  

Italian Chili

Pinch kosher salt

1 pound 90% lean ground beef

1 pound hot Italian chicken sausage, casings removed

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

1 ½ cups chopped onion

1 cup chopped green peppers

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 14.5-ounce cans diced tomatoes

2 15-ounce cans chili beans (I prefer S&W)

2 10-ounce cans tomato sauce

1 teaspoon chili powder

¼ teaspoon cumin

¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Pecorino Romano, grated for serving

Garlic cheese croutons, for serving

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sprinkle salt.  Add beef, sausage and Italian seasoning.  Cook until meats are browned.  Drain drippings.  

In a large pot over medium high heat add browned meats, peppers and onion, cook until onions are translucent.  

Add garlic and cook for 2 – 3 minutes. 

Add diced tomatoes, chili beans, tomato sauce, chili powder and cumin.  Simmer for 1 hour.

 
Add parsley, stir well to combine.

 

Serve with grated Pecorino Romano and croutons.

We had chili for dinner and plenty more to store in the freezer for those long, cold winter nights ahead.  Bring it on old man winter - I'm ready.  (OK so it doesn't get that cold in Georgia in the winter but we still like to eat chili.)

I want to know what you like to eat while you watch your favorite team.  Send me a comment with your favorite football food.  

Ciao!

Italian Chili

Pinch kosher salt

1 pound 90% lean ground beef

1 pound hot Italian chicken sausage, casings removed

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

1 ½ cups chopped onion

1 cup chopped green peppers

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 14.5-ounce cans diced tomatoes

2 15-ounce cans chili beans (I prefer S&W)

2 10-ounce cans tomato sauce

1 teaspoon chili powder

¼ teaspoon cumin

¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Pecorino Romano, grated for serving

Garlic cheese croutons, for serving

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sprinkle salt.  Add beef, sausage and Italian seasoning.  Cook until meats are browned.  Drain drippings. 

In a large pot over medium high heat add browned meats, peppers and onion, cook until onions are translucent.  Add garlic and cook for 2 – 3 minutes.  

Add diced tomatoes, chili beans, tomato sauce, chili powder and cumin.  Simmer for 1 hour.  Add parsley, stir well to combine.

Serve with grated Pecorino Romano and croutons.