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Even though I’m not much of a football fan (ok, who am I kidding…the only game I watch all year is the Superbowl, and that’s only for the commercials and the halftime show), it would just feel wrong to let the Superbowl come and go without making some kind of chili in its honor. This chili is thicker than your average soup but thinner than your average chili, which in my opinion makes is perfect for topping with crumbled corn bread to soak up all the juices (but I have to admit, it’s also great for dipping things like corn chips into).
I first saw this recipe in Cooking Light’s January 2009 issue and the thing that drew me in was the use of tomatillos in the original recipe. On the day that I was shopping for the ingredients, the market didn’t have any tomatillos on hand so I ended up improvising with tomatillo salsa, which still worked fantastically. There were a few other changes I made to the recipe as well; the original version used three different kinds of pork: ground pork, boneless pork shoulder, and smoked ham hock. Since Mike and I don’t eat pork, I used ground beef, boneless beef roast, and turkey bacon instead. (And yeah, with three different kinds of meat this is “man food” if I’ve ever seen it…but don’t worry ladies, you’ll like it too!) If you’re looking for a new chili recipe to try, I definitely recommend this!
Be sure not to skip the garnishes, they really make this dish!
Smoky Chili Soup (Inspired by Cooking Light’s recipe for Smoky Slow Cooker Chili from the January 2009 issue)
(Yield: 8-10 servings)
2 TB olive oil
4 slices turkey bacon, thinly sliced
1 lb lean ground beef
1 lb boneless beef roast (I like to use sirloin), trimmed of fat and cubed into 1-inch pieces
2 medium-large onions, diced
4 large cloves garlic, minced
2 TB chili powder
1 TB cumin
2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 bay leaves
1 tsp sugar
2 c lager-style beer (such as Corona)
1 beef bouillon cube
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 c tomatillo salsa (I used Frontera’s Gourmet Mexican Salsa)
1 c water
2 medium green peppers, diced
2 (15 oz) cans pinto beans (salt-free if possible), rinsed and drained
Queso fresco, crumbed (for garnish)
Fresh scallions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Fresh lime wedges (to squeeze on top) – I forgot these when I took the pictures, but don’t worry, I remembered them in time for serving! :)
In a 5-quart pot with a lid, heat oil over medium-high heat; add the turkey bacon and sauté until crispy (about 5 minutes). Use a slotted spoon to remove turkey bacon; set aside. To the same pot, add ground beef; turn heat up to high and cook until browned. Use a slotted spoon to remove browned meat. To the same pot, add beef cubes and brown on all sides (about 2 minutes per side). Add turkey bacon and browned ground beef back to the pot; add onions and sauté until starting to soften (about 5-7 minutes). Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, pepper, bay leaves, and sugar and sauté another 1-2 minutes, until everything is fragrant.
Add beer and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom and sides of the pan; cook a few minutes until lager is reduced by about half. Add bouillon cube, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomatillo salsa, and water; bring up to a boil, then cover the pot, turn heat down, and simmer 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add green pepper, cover the pot, and cook another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add beans during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.
Serve garnished with queso fresco, thinly sliced scallions, and lime wedges to squeeze on top.
I’m the writer, recipe developer, photographer, and food stylist behind this blog. I love finding the human connection through something we all do every day: eat! Food is a common ground that we can all relate to, and our tables tell a story. It’s my goal to inspire you to get in the kitchen, try something new, and find a favorite you didn’t know you had.
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I was thinking, last night, how chili soup is better than chili and you sent me a new soup to try.
Wow. The photos are making my mouth water. I love the flavors.
Uups, I meant flavourful. Sorry
What a rich and flavour soup!
I’m here via Valerie’s post on your chili. This sounds like a wonderful dish!
I’ve never seen a recipe with tomatillos in it. It looks fabulous!
Im not muc of a football fan either , and i really am not :-)
but i really love the food around and im ready to sit thru the game , if for this Chili, smoky and soup together makes it all the better.
I love that recipe from Cooking Light… I especially enjoyed the smokiness of it. I don’t have a slow cooker anymore so I’ll definitely try your version!
I love the sound of this smoky chili – it’s packed with flavor making it super delicious! I love the flavor of tomatillos – good idea to sub in the salsa. I’m all about the toppings!
I love the sound of this smoky chili – it\’s packed with flavor making it super delicious! I love the flavor of tomatillos – good idea to sub in the salsa. I’m all about the toppings!
I love the sound of this smoky chili – it\’s packed with flavor making it super delicious! I love the flavor of tomatillos – good idea to sub in the salsa. I\’m all about the toppings!
Great idea with the salsa…a great version :)
yes, it’s true–one cannot properly enjoy a football game without consuming chili either before, during, or after (or all three). :)
I don’t know anything about sports – not even the Super Bowl! But this dish does make me suddenly want to watch it. :)
OK – I am doing my version inspired by your version… tonight – and will post it someday – but thank you! groceries are on the counter now.
:)
YUM!
Valerie
I’m with you on the football thing. I catch bits of the Superbowl and commercials and that’s about it. This is a terrific chili and I love the garnishes you chose.
Happy Wednesday!
Dear Faith,
you made me crave for something hot and steamy as your soup.
Outside it’s so cold…
Interesting alternative chili recipe. This chili of yours could be enjoyed year round. What a fantastic cheese queso fresco is.
There are lots of great layers of flavor in this recipe. I like meaty chunks in my chili, like the beef roast—really elevates the dish. Beer is a terrific addition, for deepening the flavor. Like you, I don’t care much for football, but a well-made bowl of chili? I’m in!
This sounds amazing Faith! I love chilli and to make it smokey and into a soup can only enhance it! :)
I’m always looking for new soup/chili recipes in this cold weather! And I think cornbread would definitely be a great accompaniment here- the flavors in this chili sound so good! :)
It is hard tomatillo in our city. I just published my chili recipe. My version involves the use of chocolate.
Sorry to ask. I was looking through the recipe. What makes your chili “smoky”?
Victor, Lol, funny you ask that! Like I mention, I adapted this recipe from a Cooking Light recipe — they called theirs “Smoky Slow Cooker Chili” and I kept the name (minus the slow-cooker, as I made mine on the stovetop). I think it’s probably the use of smoked meat (in my recipe, turkey bacon) that gives it that name.
Your chili sounds fantastic with chocolate! One of my favorite chilis is Cincinnati Chili — is yours like that?
This looks awesome! I hated chili when I was a kid, but have grown to like it, and I think I’d really prefer the consistency you described.
And the flavor combo! Mmmmmmm.
If I was having a super bowl party, I’d definitely make it :)
Yum! I LOVE chili! What a delicious recipe Faith! And you’re so right, the condiments absolutely make the dish. I’m not a big pro football fan either, but with my team actually going to the big game this year I’ll most likely be watching the commercials AND the game!
GORGEOUS! I’ll have to try a few of your tricks on my next batch of chili.. Love the addition of beer! =)
xoXOxo
Jenn
I totally bookmarked! I can’t wait to make this. Chili is absolutely incredible. And I agree- the fun toppings really make it a special bowl.
We’ll be watching the Super Bowl, even if our team’s not playing. I love the boisterous camaraderie , the beer, the food, the commercials, the beer, the food :) Love the tomatillo twist you put on that chili!
Ohhh, I wish there was a Superbowl here in Oz…, just so I could tuck into this tradition of chilli…., one of the best recipes Ive seen too. Love it :)
I agree chili is a must for the superbowl. I only watch the big games like the Super Bowl too. Your chili sounds incredible with the flavor from the tomatillo salsa and the three different kinds of meats. I just imagine how delicious it must be:)
Wow that is a long list of ingredients lol. I like the beer and tomatillo salsa in there too, I like this version of yours a lot!
i am just drooling over how good this looks. thank you for sharing this:)
I want to come over for Super Bowl!! I was chilied-out after my chili contest this fall…until this recipe! Mmmmm!! The smoky flavor sounds delicious! I love thick chilis, too!
This post hits me. I’m not a big fan of football but feel like i should do something about the football season haha. I’ve seen this on the magazine too but yours looks so tasty! It’s almost lunch and I’m hungry….
I should make this to honor the season too and the hubs will be so happy :D
The soup sounds so satisfying! I need one large bowl with some rye crackers as I am watching the football now. :-))
3 kinds of meats?! You aren’t messing around girl! Just bookmarked to make soon. It sounds and looks delicious. I love crumbling cornbread into my chili… The soupier the better!
This looks right up our alley, nice and hearty, and perfect for the game, but so good with this winter weather we keep getting bombarded with.
I want to make chilli for a long long time..But I brood too much.I have to try this recipe with ground chicken or turkey.What a wonderful color you have got.Love this bowl of goodness on a chilly night.
I’m not a football one but would happily become one as an excuse to make and enjoy this soup! Looks like a proper hearty chili – delicious.
I’m with you daaaahling, when it comes to the superbowl, I only go for the food. This soup is worth watching boring football for.
*kisses* HH
I don’t care much for sports either, but I do love game food, including chili :) Looks fantastic!
Oh goodness, that’s just a perfect bowl of chili, Faith. Would so love a warm bowl for lunch today….sigh….
Perfect dinner for these cold evenings..Loved your presentation!
US Masala
I am right there with you when it comes to football…. It’s just not my thing.
But this soup sounds totally delicious… it would make watching any game bearable!
The fritos approach is classic! Serve that wonderful stuff in a bowl over a bed of fritos and you’ve got yourself what we in Texas like to call a frito pie – one of life’s great joys …
Your chili soup looks fantastic, I love the smoky flavors here, and the topping with Queso fresco! We are eating chili as well, that’s what we had for dinner last night :)
I am no fan of football and with you…I think the only thing to watch is the commercials… but I perked up when I saw smoked and chili in one line. Great recipe for chili… and boy do we need food like this with the weather we’ve been having…gorgeous photo too, Faith.
I normally make a very very simple chili, but this one looks like it’s worth the effort. I need to branch out. Simple and fast isn’t always better.
Honestly, I’m right there with you. I watch the superbowl for (a) the commercials, (b) the halftime show, and (c) the opportunity to make superbowl food! Chili, of course, being a staple. This sounds delicious!
I’m not a football fan. But good homemade (vegetarian) chili…now that’s another story! Yours looks good…
This chili/soup looks so good and all the juices from the combination of meats must gave it a special kick.
I got to admit I’m a real chilli wimp, but this looks really good!
Such a hearty soup,am drooling..
looks delicious! would love to try with my veggies.
Sooo good looking! Really soul-uplifting.
Cheers,
Rosa
I watch football exactly like you do – and this is a chili that must be cooked – clearly. Man food, it is. I know what you mean about the garnishes. They really do make a dish… the onion – I love your idea of the corn bread… a little cheese, maybe. YUM.
Thanks for a new twist on an old fav!
:)
valerie
I’m not a big football fan either…but I love a good bowl of chili. I’m sure that the different meats make this especially flavorful, and I love the cheese you sprinkled on top. Thank you for sharing your soup with me…I hope you have a great Tuesday…I’m already ready for the weekend :-)
the only time i watch football is during the superbowl and only for the commercials too. except i don’t even watch the half time show. that’s the only time hubby is allowed to roll his eyes at me. ha!
that’s interesting, i didn’t know you and Mike didn’t eat pork, Faith. i don’t eat pork either, well very very very rarely.
this chili looks fantastic. with all the shoveling i’ve been doing here, i’ve been craving for chili.i love your garnishes, not just there for looks ;-)
That looks perfect for the Superbowl or anytime actually! Yum!
I need that salsa tomatillo. chili looks awesome, nice for super bowl
Yum, that looks totally delicious!! I personally don’t watch the Superbowl or any other major sports event, but I think I’d watch it if it meant getting to eat this dish ;)