This is the best chili I've ever eaten or made! I did make a few minor changes. Instead of Italian sausage, I substituted regular hot pork sausage. Also substituted 2 cans of Rotel chopped tomatoes with chilis added, then omitted the 2 green chile peppers. I fried 3 pieces of bacon reserving the drippings to saute the onion, bell peppers and celery before adding to the mix, then crumbled the 3 pieces of bacon (substituting for 3 T of bacon bits). I used Hot Mexican chili powder, a whole can of beer, 1/2 teas. cayenne pepper and an extra teas. of sugar. I ended up not using the 2 teas. hot pepper sauce because with the chilis, hot sausage, hot chili powder and cayenne, it was VERY spicey (just the way we love it) although hot sauce can be added later. Definitely THE best chili ever and even better the next day!

Reviewed On: Feb. 2, 2009

I've made these beans numerous times this summer for cookouts and always get rave reviews. The only modification I make is to leave the sausage out and add 1 can of Great Northern beans, then put it all in the crock pot on high for 4 hrs. Leftover beans are great warmed up the next day!

Reviewed On: Oct. 17, 2008