Jamie's Chili

On the last quiz I had posted on my blog, the tie was between soup/chili and anything made of pumpkin as favorite fall-time foods. I love both of those things!! So I've decided to try a new chili and new pumpkin recipe to post on here.

I absolutely love chili for three reasons:

1. I love that it has both your protein and vegetable servings, so it's basically a one-dish meal.
2. It's SPICY! At least the way I make it is, and I love all things caliente!
3. It's the state food of Texas, so it's in my blood.

I saw this recipe be made on Paula Deen's show. Her two sons and herself were having a competition to see who could make the best main dish for dinner. Her oldest son, Jamie, made the chili and right when I saw it, I knew it was a recipe that I would love. I made it for my family and it was unanimous that it was a keeper!

JAMIE'S CHILI

• 1 pound mixed ground beef and sausage, browned and drained
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 green pepper, diced
• 2 cups chopped celery
• 2 (28-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
• 1 (28-ounce) can whole, peeled tomatoes
• Ground cumin
• Chili powder
• 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 package chili seasoning mix
• Shredded cheddar, sour cream, chopped green onions, or whatever other fixins you like on top of chili

In a skillet, brown the beef and sausage. Drain and set aside. Add 1 tablespoon oil on the bottom of a pot and heat over medium heat. Add the onion, green pepper, and celery and saute briefly. Stir in the tomatoes. Add cumin and chili powder (to taste) and cook for 8 minutes. Add the beans, meat, and chili seasoning. Partially cover and let simmer for 4 hours. Serve with fixins.