Prize-Winning Chili

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 small jalapeno pepper, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 pound hot Italian sausage
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 (15 ounce) cans pinto beans, undrained
• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup water

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large stock pot over medium heat; cook and stir onion, bell pepper, and jalapeno pepper until onion is translucent, about 10 minutes. Add sausage and ground beef; continue to cook and stir until meat is browned and crumbly, about 7 minutes. Drain and discard grease.

Season meat mixture with chili powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. Add pinto beans, tomatoes, and water and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue to simmer for 1 hour.