Oktoberfest Chili

This Oktoberfest chili is a hearty and different recipe with bratwurst, sauerkraut, and German beer, plus the usual chili beans, peppers, and spices.

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 5 hr 30 mins
• Total Time: 5 hr 55 mins
• Calories: 433 Calories

Ingredients

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

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Cook and stir bratwurst in 1 tablespoon bacon drippings in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and no longer pink inside, about 15 minutes. Drain excess grease.

Step 2

Heat remaining 1 tablespoon bacon drippings in a large, deep pot over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, jalapeños, and garlic; cook and stir until onion is translucent, about 8 minutes. Add bratwurst to the pot; 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.

Step 3

Bring chili mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer; stir in milk chocolate until melted and dissolved. Simmer for 5 hours, stirring occasionally.