Before You Begin
Ensure your large heavy-bottomed pot is ready—this chili needs room to simmer. You'll want to chop your onion and green pepper into small, uniform pieces so they melt into the hamburger. And most importantly: don't forget to unwrap the Reese's cup before you start, so it's ready the moment the pot is hot!
Approved by The Caretaker
— "One bowl for the hunger, one bowl for the soul." —
Rusty Pot Chili
A deep, savory chili with a mysterious hidden layer for extra richness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger in a large pot with the chopped onion and green pepper until softened.
- Stir in all the tomatoes and both types of beans.
- Add the water, chili powder, Italian seasoning, basil, pepper, and crushed red pepper.
- The Secret Stitch: Stir in the Reese's cup until completely melted and "mended" into the sauce.
- Simmer on low heat for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors stitch together.
The Secret Pairing
- The Cheez-It Crunch: For the best texture, stir in a handful of Cheez-Its just 2 minutes before serving. They soak up the savory broth but keep a perfect snap that pairs beautifully with the hamburger.
- The Creamy Finish: A dollop of cool sour cream or a sprinkle of sharp cheddar helps balance the warmth of the fire-roasted tomatoes and crushed red pepper.
- On the Side: This chili is excellent when served with buttery cornbread or a crusty sourdough roll to soak up the rich, dark sauce.
- Chef’s Note: This recipe actually gets better the next day. As it sits, the flavors of the spices and the secret hint of chocolate blend together for an even deeper flavor.
Keep the orange wrapper hidden... some secrets are too sweet to share.
🍫 🕸️ 🥄
