Cook Time: 40 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Originally posted in 2016.

After an unseasonably warm December here in Pennsylvania (70 degrees on Christmas Eve), it is finally Winter (it's downright freezing!!). That means comfort food and chili (made with one of our favorite seasoning blends, Cherchies® Select Grilling Rub and Seasoning Blend) is top on our family's list.

Everyone has their favorite chili recipe, but this easy, tasty recipe steals the show because it features our all-purpose seasoning blend, Cherchies® Select Grilling Rub and Seasoning Blend, and items commonly found in your pantry. If you have never tried our grilling rub, you are missing out. Not only is it perfect for grilling, as the label indicates, but it is also versatile enough for roasting meats and flavoring dips, casseroles, Mexican dishes, ribs, pulled pork, and of course, chili!) It is a fabulous multi-purpose seasoning.

This recipe feeds a crowd, but you can always half it (unless you have hungry teens like us, who always want second and third helpings. It is amazing how much young adults can eat). If you are short on time and need extra help in the kitchen, you can also make this recipe in your slow cooker by adding all the ingredients to your slow cooker, turning it on, and walking away for a few hours. You would need to stir occasionally.

Whether it's cold weather comfort, game day celebrations, casual get-togethers, or whenever the mood strikes, this chili recipe will not disappoint. So, grab some Cherchies® Select Grilling Rub and Seasoning Blend, a few ingredients from your pantry, and make the best chili tonight.

Ingredients

*1 Tablespoon (Tbsp) bacon fat or olive oil (*If have leftover bacon grease)
3 lbs. ground meat (turkey, chicken, or beef is fine)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup beef broth (we use 1 cup of water with 1 Tablespoon (Tbsp) Minor's Beef base)
3 Tablespoons (Tbsp) Cherchies® Select Grilling Rub and Seasoning Blend (more to taste- ground poultry may need more)
1 Tablespoon (Tbsp) Cherchies® Garlic Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon (tsp) ground pepper
1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste
1 can (28 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cans (15 oz.) black beans, drained
2 cans (15 oz.) white beans, drained
1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional garnish)
Sour cream (or non-fat greek yogurt as an optional garnish)
Sliced green onions (optional garnish)
Hot sauce (optional garnish)

Preparation

Chop onions and saute in a large dutch oven in olive oil or bacon fat until onions are soft and translucent.(you could cook onions with one strip of a strip of bacon. I happened to have reserved bacon drippings in the refrigerator and used that) Add Cherchies® Garlic Seasoning and Pepper.