A big pot of Chili!

Last night we had some great friends over for dinner. I made a big pot of chili and some homemade cornbread. Just what the Dr. ordered for a cold, rainy day! I didn't take pictures as I created this masterpiece but I figured I would still share the recipe anyway. It's really easy but I can't take all the credit...it is my mother-in-laws recipe!

3 lbs ground beef (I've used ground turkey too)
2 large onions-chopped
10 cloves garlic or a head if garlic-chopped
1 bell pepper-chopped
2 cups chopped celery
2 packages of Chili seasoning mix
1 small can Las Palmas Red Chile Sauce-medium
3 - 40oz cans pinto beans
4 - 15oz cans tomato sauce (approximately 60 oz of tomato sauce)
1 tsp chili powder
Pepper
Salt

In large pot, over low heat, pour just enough oil to coat bottom of pot. Brown onions and garlic. Add salt & pepper. Once onions & garlic are transparent, add ground beef. Part way through browning ground beef, add bell peppers and chili powder. Stir. Once meat is completely brown, drain off any fat. Add 2 packages of chili seasoning mix, mixing well. Add can of Las Palmas Chili Sauce. Cook on low heat, stirring so everything mixes. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add all cans of tomato sauce and approx. 20oz of warm water.(add water a little at a time. You don't want it to be too watery) stir well and simmer on low to medium heat. Cook for 1 hour. After a hour, add drained & rinsed pinto beans. Continue to simmer for another hour. Stir occasionally to make sure there is enough liquid. It should have a soupy consistency. Add chopped celery and simmer for 1 more hour. Based on your preference you can add more Chile Sauce,tomato sauce, chili powder or water. It usually takes 3-4 hours to cook.

Enjoy!