Chili Filed under ( main dishes )

Oh how I love chili, especially in the colder months. It's warm, it's hearty, it's delicious. Chili is one of the best things to make when you're trying to clean out your pantry, or you are low on food. You could really add so many things to chili and it would be great. This is a recipe I saw made on Paula Dean's show, and it's really wonderful, as well as so easy, just be sure to give yourself enough time. I usually use this as my "base" recipe and then add a few things to make it my own. I love to add more veggies like corn and garbanzo beans to give it more color, and nutrients. I also love Worchestershire and dried ground mustard for more richness, and of course, garlic salt!

Ingredients
1 pound mixed ground beef and sausage, browned and drained
1 medium onion, diced
1 green bell pepper diced
2 cups chopped celery
2 (28-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
1 (28-ounce) can whole, peeled tomatoes
Ground cumin
Chili powder
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 package chili seasoning mix (I use two!)
Shredded cheddar, sour cream, chopped green onions, for garnish
Directions
In a skillet brown ground beef and sausage, drain and set aside.

Spray large pot with nonstick cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Add the onion, green pepper, and celery and saute briefly. Stir in the diced and whole tomatoes. Add cumin and chili powder, to taste, and cook for about 8 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add the beans, browned meat, and chili seasoning. Partially cover, and let simmer for 4 hours.