I have a few recipes that are on our regular rotation when I need to make dinner in a hurry. Chili with Brats is on the list. It’s quick and easy and everyone loves it. You can make it with or without the Brats, and it makes a mean pot of leftovers too!
My first memory of eating chili and loving it was when my little brother played Pee-Wee football at the old Chico football field on Saturday afternoon. I loved buying Frito Pie for lunch. Frito pie consisted of: 1.Frito’s 2.Chili (probably canned) 3.Grated cheese on top. I remember the chili was made with small red beans, and I loved it. It was different than my Mom’s chili. Dad loved Kidney beans, so my mom always used Kidney beans in her chili.
My basic recipe for Chili with Brats can be altered to cater to your taste. If you like ground sausage or ground turkey, replace the ground beef with either or both. You can leave the brats out as well, or double the brats. You can spice it up as much as you want, I always made a mild version, because kids and spice usually don’t mix very well.
I like the green chili sauce (below) , it’s chunky with onions, tomatoes and roasted chilies. You can use any brand, or if you can’t find green sauce, add some fresh green chilies or a can of chopped green chilies. My favorite way to enjoy Chili with Brats is with a pan of cornbread. I just posted a recipe for Green Chile and Cheese Cornbread that is the perfect side for a big pot of Chili. My boys always love eating the leftover chili on top of hot dogs and buns, topped with lots of grated cheese. Two meals out of one dish is always a big win in my book!
Chili with Brats
Ingredients
- 3-4 *Bratwurst
- 1 lb ground beef, extra lean
- 1-2 onions, chopped
- 1 green pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1-2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1-2 cloves chopped garlic
- 3 15 oz. cans small red beans, drained
- 2 14.5 oz. cans chopped tomatoes, with juices
- 1/2 jar 16 oz medium green chili sauce, if it’s mild, I throw the whole jar in
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt, ground pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Bratwurst in a pan on medium high heat, turning once. After brown on both sides, add a little water to the pan – about 1/4 cup, and cover. Let steam for 8 minutes. Remove to cutting board. Let sit.
- Cook ground meat in large heavy pan. Drain any grease, add chopped onions, pepper and cook until onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Add chili powder, cumin and chopped garlic. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Add the drained cans of beans, chopped tomatoes, green chili sauce and sugar. If you like a thicker chili, add a can of tomato sauce or some tomato paste. Slice the Bratwurst, add to the pot. Cook for several hours, covered on stove top- low heat.
Notes
Did you make this recipe?
Be sure to leave a comment and give this recipe a rating, letting me know how you liked it. I’d love to see a photo, tag @abountifulkitchen on Instagram!
Amy
I made this chili tonight and it was a hit! I made it in the instant pot because I didn’t have time to let it simmer. I cooked on manual for 15 minutes and it was perfect! Going to make this a staple in our house
Si Foster
I’m so glad to hear you made it in the instant pot, Amy, and that’s such a great quick meal to make for the family! Thanks for sharing,
xo
Si
Lacy
Can you make this in the instant pot?
abountifulkitchen
I haven’t tried it, but Im sure it will work. I would try about 15 minutes and then manual release the steam. Let me know if you try it!
xo
Si
How to Use the Instant Pot or Instant Pot, Now What? – A Bountiful Kitchen
[…] have to be an Instant Pot recipe. A few of my favorites which will be perfect in The Pot are: Chili and Brats, Slow Cooked Beef with Apple Cider BBQ Sauce, Family Favorite Pot Roast to name a few… […]
Cheryl Preston
Hey Si,
Looks like things are going gangbusters on your site. I am retired now and thinking (just thinking at this stage) of cooking.
Question: My friends are considering having a “cooking group” or class. When you work with people in an average kitchen, how many people would be maximum?
Thanks — Miss you muchos
abountifulkitchen
Hi Cheryl,
Can’t believe you finally retired! I teach classes in my home occasionally. Usually about 18-22 per class. Hope all is well with you! Miss you too <3