• 1 TB Olive Oil: The foundation for sautéing your aromatics, extra virgin for best flavor.
• 3-4 Cloves Garlic, minced: Essential for aromatic depth and classic chili flavor.
• 1 Spanish Onion, chopped: Provides a sweet and savory base that caramelizes beautifully.
• 1 lb Mild Turkey Sausage, casings removed: A leaner alternative to beef, offering savory flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients. You can also use ground beef or a combination.
• 1 Red Pepper, chopped: Adds sweetness, color, and a fresh crunch.
• 1 Green Pepper, chopped: A more classic, slightly bitter counterpoint to the red pepper.
• 2 Jalapenos, chopped: For a delightful kick. Remove seeds and membranes for less heat, or leave them in if you prefer it spicier!
• 1 Cup of Grilled Corn Kernels: About 2-3 ears of corn. Grilled corn adds a fantastic smoky sweetness and texture. Frozen or canned corn (drained) can be substituted if fresh isn’t available.
• 1 Can Chili Beans, drained but not rinsed: These beans often come in a seasoned sauce, which adds another layer of flavor.
• 1 Can Kidney Beans, drained but not rinsed: Classic chili bean, providing a hearty texture and protein.
• 3 TB Chili Powder: A robust blend is key! I recommend a combination of regular chili powder, chipotle chili powder (for smokiness), and New Mexico chili powder (for authentic regional flavor).
• 1 TB Smoked Paprika: Deepens the smoky notes and adds a beautiful rich color.
• 1 TB Cumin: Earthy and warm, a cornerstone of chili flavor.
• 1 TB Garlic Powder: Enhances the fresh garlic and adds a consistent garlic flavor throughout.
• 1 tsp Cinnamon: A secret ingredient that adds warmth, balances heat, and creates an incredible depth of flavor without making the chili taste sweet.
• 3 Good Pinches of Salt: Seasoning throughout is crucial for bringing out all the flavors. Adjust to taste.
• 1 Dried New Mexico Chili, whole: This is one of our star secret ingredients! It infuses a fruity, earthy, mild chili flavor as it simmers.
• 1/2 Bottle Sam Adams Octoberfest (or similar amber/dark beer): Beer adds complexity, helps deglaze the pot, and tenderizes the meat. If you prefer not to use beer, substitute 1 cup red wine, chicken broth, or water.
• 1 28 oz Can of Diced Tomatoes: Provides a tangy, rich base for the chili.
• 4 Squares Dark Chocolate (about 1 oz), rough chopped: The other secret weapon! Dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher is ideal) adds a velvety richness, deepens the color, and balances the chili’s acidity and heat, echoing traditional Mexican moles. It won’t make your chili taste like dessert.

Step 1: Build the Aromatic Foundation. Begin by heating your Dutch oven or a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once shimmering, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become softened and fragrant. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and black pepper at this stage to build flavor from the ground up.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage. Add the mild turkey sausage (casings removed, if applicable) to the pot. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, break up the sausage into crumbles as it cooks. Continue to cook for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s fully browned. Browning the meat is essential for developing rich, savory flavors through the Maillard reaction.

Step 3: Soften the Peppers. Once the sausage is browned, add the chopped red pepper, green pepper, and jalapenos to the pot. Stir them into the sausage and onion mixture. Cook for another 7-10 minutes, or until the peppers begin to soften, their vibrant colors deepening and their natural sweetness starting to emerge.

Step 4: Bloom the Spices. This is a crucial step for maximizing flavor! Add the chili powder blend, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, cinnamon, and the remaining salt to the pot. Stir thoroughly, ensuring the spices coat the meat and vegetables. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Heating the spices briefly like this “blooms” them, releasing their essential oils and intensifying their aromatic qualities.

Step 5: Deglaze and Introduce Liquid. Pour in half a bottle of Sam Adams Octoberfest (or your chosen beer, red wine, or broth). Use your spoon to scrape up any browned bits (known as “fond”) from the bottom of the pot. These bits are packed with flavor! Let the liquid simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing some of the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to concentrate. Then, stir in the can of diced tomatoes, breaking them up slightly if they are very chunky.

Step 6: Simmer and Infuse. Add the drained chili beans and kidney beans to the pot, stirring everything together. Nest the whole dried New Mexico chili into the mixture. Bring the chili up to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 20-30 minutes. This simmering time is where all the flavors truly meld, and the dried chili infuses its subtle, complex notes into the dish. The aroma filling your kitchen will be incredible!

Step 7: The Secret Ingredient Reveal. After the initial simmering, uncover the pot and add the rough-chopped dark chocolate. Stir well until the chocolate has fully melted and incorporated into the chili. Continue to cook on low heat for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the chocolate to deepen the color, add richness, and balance the overall flavor profile. It won’t make your chili sweet, but rather incredibly complex and smooth.

Step 8: Final Seasoning. Give the chili a good taste. This is your chance to adjust the salt levels or add more heat if desired. Sometimes, a final pinch of salt is all it needs to truly sing.

Step 9: Serve with a Flourish! Ladle the hot chili into bowls and prepare for a topping extravaganza. Chili is always best when accompanied by an array of fresh and creamy garnishes.

Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Bowl

The beauty of chili lies in its versatility, especially when it comes to toppings! Set up a chili bar for your game day guests and let everyone customize their bowl. Here are some of our favorite ideas:

• Shredded Cheese: Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.
• Cool & Creamy: A dollop of sour cream or a healthier alternative like plain Greek yogurt.
• Fresh & Zesty: A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro, thinly sliced green onions (scallions), or even a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
• Extra Crunch & Texture: Reserved grilled corn kernels, crushed tortilla chips or Fritos, homemade cornbread croutons, or diced avocado.
• Amp Up the Heat: A dash of your favorite hot sauce, pickled jalapeños, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who dare.
• Beyond the Bowl: This chili is also fantastic served over hot dogs, on top of baked potatoes, mixed with pasta for a “chili mac,” or alongside a warm piece of cornbread for dipping.

Tips for Chili Perfection

• Make Ahead Magic: Chili almost always tastes better the next day! The flavors have more time to meld and deepen. Prepare it the day before your event, refrigerate, and gently reheat on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.
• Freezing for Later: This chili freezes beautifully. Once completely cooled, transfer it to airtight containers or freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly.
• Adjusting Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce the number of jalapenos or remove all the seeds and membranes. For more heat, add an extra jalapeno, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or serve with a spicier hot sauce.
• Slow Cooker Method: After browning the sausage and sautéing the aromatics and peppers on the stovetop (Steps 1-3), transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add all remaining ingredients (including beer/broth, tomatoes, beans, spices, whole chili). Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the chopped chocolate during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Protein Variations: Feel free to substitute the turkey sausage with ground beef, ground chicken, or a plant-based crumble for a vegetarian option. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

This Game Day Chili isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, warming them from the inside out and leaving everyone raving about its unique, unforgettable flavor. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your Dutch oven, and get ready to score big with this incredible, flavor-packed chili. Whether it’s for the roar of the crowd or a quiet evening at home, this recipe promises to be a winning addition to your culinary playbook. Enjoy every delicious spoonful!