Classic Awesome Chili

I made this last night for dinner and WOW....was it awesome.   I have made chili from scratch before, but got it perfect last night. I don't like beans, so I didn't add any, you of course could add a can of kidney beans if you want to.  I hope you will make this soon...weather is finally cooling down and it's the perfect time of year for a nice, warm and tasty bowl of chili!!

You Will Need...

~1 1/2 pounds ground chuck chili meat (season with salt, pepper to taste)

 ~2 cans  of chunky (mild) Rotel , undrained

~1 15 oz can of tomato sauce
~1 8 oz can tomato sauce
~1 small onion chopped

~1 green bell pepper, chopped
~1 stalk celery chopped

~1 clove garlic, minced

~1 1/2 Tablespoons Chili Powder

~1 Tablespoon Cumin
~1 TBL sugar (to cut down acidity of the tomatoes)

~1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
~1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

**You can add more or less of seasonings.  I like mine a medium spice level**

~Toppings - Fritos, grated cheddar, sour cream

(side note- you can buy the frozen pre-chopped bags of onion, bell pepper & celery...I use about 2 cups of the frozen veggies)

~Start off by browning meat in 2 Tablespoons of olive oil on medium heat.  This will take around 10-12 minutes.  Drain grease and add onions, bell pepper and garlic.  Saute for about 5 minutes.  Next, add Rotel (with juices), tomato sauce and water (if needed). Stir and bring to a boil.  Add spices and cook on low-medium, stirring often, for 30 minutes so flavors can blend well.

                                                                      Spices go in!

(side note:  if it is too thick just add some more water in and let it boil down)
Finally...time to eat!  Top with fritos, grated cheddar and sour cream....

                                                                          Delish!!