Oktoberfest Chili

A hearty and different chili with bratwurst, sauerkraut, and German beer, plus the typical chili beans, peppers, and spices, brings a German twist to this Oktoberfest favorite.

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 5 hr
• Total Time: 5 hr 25 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
• ¼ cup chili powder
• 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 ½ pounds fresh bratwurst links, cut into 1-inch slices
• 2 tablespoons bacon drippings, divided
• 2 (15 ounce) cans red beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle German-style beer
• 2 ½ ounces milk chocolate candy

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place the bratwurst into a large skillet with 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings over medium heat; cook and stir the bratwurst until the pieces are browned and no longer pink inside, about 15 minutes. Drain excess grease.

Step 2

Place remaining 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in a large, deep pot over medium heat, and cook and stir the onion, green and jalapeno peppers, and garlic until the onion is translucent, about 8 minutes. Place the bratwurst into the pot with the vegetables, and stir in the sauerkraut, red beans, petite diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato juice, beer, salt, black pepper, cumin, chili powder, sugar, garlic powder, paprika, allspice, and oregano.

Step 3

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