Chocolate Chili Cha-Cha

Sounds yummy, doesn't it? Well it was! I made this for a chili cook-off at my husband's work. Let's see if it wins anything. (Tweaked from this recipe.) I also apologize for the lack of a picture. The lack of natural light was no help. You know what chili looks like, this is no different!

Chocolate Chili Cha-Cha

1 (29 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (28 ounce) can peeled and diced tomatoes
1 cup diced onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1-1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/2 pound bacon, diced
1 pound spicy sausage
1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1/2 (32 ounce) bottle hickory smoke barbecue sauce
1/4 cup chili powder
2 (15.25 ounce) cans kidney beans, undrained
1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
1 (1 ounce) square unsweetened chocolate, chopped

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, combine tomato sauce, tomatoes and Italian seasoning.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until slightly crisp. Drain and stir into the pot. Retain the oil for the next step.

3. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the bacon grease and saute till lightly browned. Drain and stir into the pot.

4. In the same skillet over medium heat, cook sausage until browned. Drain and stir into the pot.

5. In the same skillet over medium heat, cook the beef until brown. Drain and stir into the pot.

6. Stir the barbecue sauce, chili powder and liquid smoke into the pot; taste and adjust seasonings.

7. Stir in the kidney beans and chocolate and simmer until flavors are well blended. Serve.


Enjoy and wish me luck! I'll let you know if I win anything! Oh and don't hesitate to try this in the crockpot. Chili is always better after it's aged a bit.