Wendy's Copy Cat

Robert once won a 'medal' for most child friendly chili at a cookoff at church.  Most men go for the hottest which is stupid if you have a family.

2 pounds ground beef
29 oz can tomato sauce
29 oz can kidney beans with liquid
29 oz can pinto beans with liquid
1 cup diced onions
1/2 cup minced green onions
1/4 cup diced celery
3 med tomatoes chopped
2 t. cumin
2-3 T chili powder
1.5 t. black pepper
2 t. salt
2 cups water

DIRECTIONS

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Drain off the fat.
3. In a large pot, combine the beef plus all the remaining ingredients, and bring to a simmer over low heat.
4. Cook, stirring every 15 minutes, for 2 to 3 hours.

GOOD COMMENTS ON THE WEBSITE:

I followed the recipe ratios as given, and based on the suggestions of other reviewers, I used canned diced tomatoes ( Hey it's January in Minnesota !! ) and I used a crockpot. The chili was very good, however based on the chili I bought last night at Wendy's, I must warn you that this recipe has more heat. Also because I was not simmering the chili in an open pot, mine was not as thick. To make up for that, I added one tablespoon of corn starch mixed with an equal amount of cold water. Of course timing will be different using a crockpot, so I called it done when the tomatoes started to fall apart, and the onion was no longer crunchy.

FINALLY!! A chili recipe I can throw together and not have to constantly adjust the "heat" for those of us with a palate that is easily traumatized by Big Red gum-level spicey-ness. This was mild and flavorful and I could still use my tastebuds after a nice big bowl. I did cut the recipe in half and it worked out great. I did not use the fresh chilis, I used a small can of chopped green chillis from the pantry. I added about 1/2 cup of fresh minced green pepper just because I needed to use it up. I put this together in a stockpot and let it simmer away for close to 6 hours while I did housework...though I did try a small sample after about 2 hours and it was great. I served mine with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese and a sprinkle of corn chips...YUM!! This is my new standard!