Hearty, Homestyle Chili to Warm You Up After the Slopes

Inspired by crisp winters and cozy cabins in northern Michigan, Michigan Ski Country Chili is our homage to snowy days and hearty, stick-to-your-ribs meals. This bean-based chili mix blends classic chili seasonings with a whole japones pepper to add gentle warmth and depth—perfect after a day on the trails or just a chilly night at home.

Made with only clean, shelf-stable dry ingredients, this family-sized recipe is ideal for making ahead or storing in your pantry for a no-fuss, satisfying meal. Just add ground beef and a bit of smoky bacon for a true comfort food classic that serves a crowd.

Whether you're fresh off the slopes or just dreaming of a winter getaway, this chili brings that rustic Michigan magic into your kitchen—one bowl at a time.

Nutrition: Clean Label, Nothing Artificial, No Added Salt, Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Vegan Friendly. Serves: 20

Cooktime: 2 Hours

Heat: Mild

Ingredients:

Red Kidney Bean, Pink Bean, Cranberry Bean, Bell Pepper, Onion, Paprika, Coriander, Cumin, Celery, Garlic, Chile Pepper, Oregano, Bay Leaf, Cayenne.

What You Need:

• 1 Tbsp. oil

• 3 slices bacon, cooked and chopped (1/2 cup) or 1/2 lb. thinly sliced pork

• 1 1/2 lbs. ground chuck

• 2 Tbsp. brown sugar

• 1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes

• 2 cups beef broth (16 oz.)

• 1 cup red wine

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preparing the Beans:

   1. Pick through the beans. Remove discolored, shriveled beans and any foreign material. Rinse well.

   2. Place the beans in a bowl with 8 cups water and soak for 4+ hours (ideally overnight) at room temperature. For a quicker option, boil for 10 minutes and let stand for 2 hours (no our preferred method).

   3. Drain beans and place in a 4-quart pot with 8 cups fresh water.

   4. Bring to a boil for 10 minutes, reduce heat, and simmer covered for 30 minutes.

   5. Remove from heat, drain, and set aside until ready to use.

   Preparing the Soup:

   1. In a 4-quart pot, heat oil over medium heat. Cut bacon or pork into smaller pieces and sauté in oil.

   2. Add ground beef into pot and continue to brown.

   3. Stir in contents of chili mix packet and brown sugar. For milder chili, remove one or both chile peppers.

   4. Add drained, cooked beans, tomatoes, broth, and wine to pot.

   5. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer covered for 1 hour.

   6. Remove chile peppers. Salt and pepper to taste.

Made in United States

20 servings