Chili for a Crowd

Dinner

This chili for a crowd was handed down to me by my aunt, who said she got it from a "grizzled Montana mountain man." I added some zesty ingredients to come up with the final version. Hot food is something that my husband's family isn't accustomed to, so I adjust the spices for them. In fact, with a few simple alterations to the "heat" index, I can serve this chili to anyone.

Average Rating: 4.8

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 25 min. Cook: 1 hour
YIELD: 24 servings (6 quarts).

3 pounds ground beef
2 cans (28 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
4 cans (16 ounces each) kidney beans or 4 cans (15 ounces each) pinto beans or black beans, rinsed and drained
1 pound smoked kielbasa, sliced and halved
2 large onions, halved and thinly sliced
2 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce
2/3 cup hickory-flavored barbecue sauce
1-1/2 cups water
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
5 fresh banana peppers, seeded and sliced
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground mustard
2 teaspoons instant coffee granules
1 teaspoon each dried oregano, thyme and sage
1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 garlic cloves, minced

1. In an 8-qt. kettle or Dutch oven, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain.
2. Stir in the remaining ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.