Football season can only mean one thing – time to grab the best seat in the house, and we’re not talking about at the stadium. In fact, 77 percent of Americans think the best seat in the house is at home in front of an HDTV, according to a recent survey by McIlhenny Company, maker of Tabasco brand products. Instead of heading to the stadium, keep the tailgate at home and throw a “homegating” party.

The ultimate homegate is not only about the football game, it’s about the food. No matter what’s happening on the field, the spread can be the real game-changer. In fact, the survey found the following:

• 78 percent of American adults think good food can make up for a bad game.

• Americans spend, on average, 42 percent of the game eating or drinking.

• Over half of Americans (57 percent) voted the grill as the most important appliance when hosting a homegate.

For a homegate touchdown, banish the boring and serve beer-infused chili, which is sure to please all your family, friends and football fans. For other ways to spice up game day, visit www.tabasco.com.

Super Good Chili

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 1/2 pounds ground beef chuck

1 large onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1 (12 ounce) can diced tomatoes

2 (16 ounce) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed

1 (16 ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 (12 ounce) can or bottle beer

1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies

1 tablespoon TABASCO brand Original Red Sauce

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, optional

Heat oil in 5-quart saucepot over medium heat. Add beef and cook until well browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. With a slotted spoon, remove to bowl.

Add onion and garlic to drippings remaining in skillet; cook over medium heat until tender, about 5 minutes.Return meat to saucepot; stir in cumin. Cook 1 minute. Stir in diced tomatoes with liquid, pinto beans, red kidney beans, beer, green chilies, Tabasco Sauce and salt. Heat to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 20 minutes to blend flavors, stirring occasionally. Serve with cheese, if desired.

What is your favorite chili recipe?