My Guinness Chili

If you put beer in it, they will come!  My Guinness Chili has become a favourite at our workplace Chili Fest over the past couple of years.  Even if people aren't Guinness fans they can't resist the offer of beer in food. 

This chili has some heat to it, followed by a wonderful smokey flavour .... pair this with the full bodied taste of the famous Irish stout and you have a winner. 

Be sure to allow the meat enough soaking time in the beer, start this well in advance of meal time or even the day before!

Ingredients - Where's the Beef ... and Bacon?!?
2 cans of Guinness
1 lb of stewing beef, cubed
1 lbs of extra lean ground beef
3-4 links of mild sausage, removed from casing and divided into small bite size pieces
1/2 of smoked bacon

Place stewing beef in a large sauce pan, open cans of Guinness, add 1 1/2 cans of the beer to the pan and drink the rest!
Cut bacon into thin slices and brown in pan, once cooked add to large sauce pan in the Guinness soak
Brown ground beef and add to the sauce pan
Remove casings from the sausage links and section into bite size pieces, cook and add to the Guinness soak
Allow meats to soak in the lovely stout for at least one hour!

Ingredients -Spice it Up!
1/2 tsp of smoked paprika
4-5 tbsp of McCormick's Chili Blend powder
1/2 can of Chipotle Peppers in Adobo sauce .... I ended up using the whole can but it's up to you
1 6oz can of tomato paste
1 can of diced tomatoes
1 large Spanish onion, chopped
1 can of white kidney beans (don't drain)
1 can of navy beans (don't drain)
1 can of black beans

Once the meat has soaked, add the can of tomato paste and stir until it is somewhat mixed in
Add chili powder, chipotle peppers (diced up) and tomatoes ... it's going to start to become a pasty mess but keep going!
Add chopped onion and cans of beans
Mix well and cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes 
Reduce heat to low and simmer, keep on low for several hours on the stove or place in a slow cooker on low for the day, I make it in the evening and let it simmer overnight so it's full flavoured for the Chili Fest at noon.

It makes a big batch but freezes well.  Enjoy!!!