Halloween Chili

  So, my kids love to dress up!  Not just on Halloween, but ever since they were really little they have always had baskets full of dress-up clothes.  I love that they have such big imaginations and can go from an every-day kid to a fighter pilot or Indiana Jones in the blink of an eye!  Some days my oldest will jump into the kitchen in costume AND in character, expecting me to keep a straight face...it's really hard to do!  

Well, of course chili was on the menu last night.  For some reason, chili and Halloween go hand in hand.  We had some fun food last night, but these little cuties were what made it most fun!

Tyler {ninja}, Jaden {hobo}, Ella {mermaid}, Kai {Giraffe}

HALLOWEEN CHILI

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 3 lbs. stew meat, lean and cut in large chunks
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno, diced
• 4 Tbsp. chili powder
• 2 tsp. cumin
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 2 tsp. oregano flakes
• 1-28oz. can tomato puree
• 1-15oz. can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 can or bottle dark beer {I used Red Nectar}
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 cans pinto beans, rinsed and drained

Topping suggestions:

• sour cream
• cheddar cheese, shredded
• tortilla chips
• fresh cilantro, chopped

DIRECTIONS:

  Heat olive oil to medium-high heat in a large stock pot.  Place onion in pot and saute until translucent, about 5 minutes.  Add meat chunks and brown for a couple minutes, then add garlic and jalapeno and cook for 5 more minutes.  Pour in beer and cook until slightly reduced; about 5-10 minutes.  Add tomato puree, diced tomato, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and oregano flakes.  Bring to a boil, then simmer on low,{covered} for 3 hours.  Stir every now and then, breaking up meat chunks as the meat becomes tender.  After the 3 hour cook time, add black and pinto beans.  Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes.  **If meat doesn't appear tender after 3 hours, go ahead and let it simmer longer.

This is the perfect dish to make in the Slow Cooker as well.  After cooking onion, meat, and reducing beer, add everything to slow cooker, turn on low and cook 8-10 hours, or high 4-5 hrs.
Serve with toppings and some fresh corn muffins!  

Oh, I thought I'd include this shot...it's how my husband likes his chili!