Oktoberfest Chili Recipe: A German-Inspired Chili

Ingredients

• 2.5 pounds fresh bratwurst links, cut into 1-inch slices
• 2 tablespoons bacon drippings, divided
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 jalapeno peppers, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (15 ounce) cans red beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 (15 ounce) cans petite diced tomatoes
• 2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 (12 fluid ounce) cans tomato juice
• 2 cups sauerkraut, drained
• 1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle German-style beer
• 0.25 cup chili powder
• 3 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 2.5 ounces milk chocolate candy

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, cook and stir bratwurst in 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, approximately 15 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
2. In a large, deep pot over medium heat, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings. Add onion, bell pepper, jalapeños, and garlic; cook and stir until the onion becomes translucent, about 8 minutes. Add the cooked bratwurst to the pot, then stir in red beans, petite diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato juice, sauerkraut, beer, chili powder, sugar, salt, black pepper, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, allspice, and oregano.
3. Bring the chili mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Stir in milk chocolate until it is completely melted and dissolved. Simmer for 5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Nutrition

• Calories: 433 kcal
• Fat Content: 25 g
• Fiber Content: 8 g
• Sugar Content: 14 g
• Sodium Content: 2223 mg
• Protein Content: 17 g
• Cholesterol Content: 50 mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 36 g
• Saturated Fat Content: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat Content: 0 g