Two-meat, two bean chili

25 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
5poundsGround round (15% lean groun beef)
2poundsHot or sweet italian sausage removed from casings; crumb
3Large onions; chopped
2Medium sweet red bell pepper seeded and chopped
2Medium green bell peppers seeded and chopped
2Fresh hot green chili pepper seeded and minced
4Garlic cloves; minced
cupChili powder
1tablespoonSalt
2teaspoonsDried oregano
2teaspoonsGround cumin
2Bay leaves
3cans(28-oz) whole tomatoes with tomato puree; undrained
½cupYellow cornmeal
2cans(16-oz) pink beans; drained
2cans(16-oz)_black beans; drained

Directions

In a large soup kettle, cook the ground round, sausage, onions, red and green pepeprs, chili peppers, and garlic over medium-high heat, stirring often, until the meat is seared (but not browned), about 10 minutes. Pour off excess fat. Add the chili powder, salt, oregano, cumin, and bay leaves and stir for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes with their puree, breaking up the tomatoes with a spoon. Bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring often, until the liquid is reduced, about 1-½ hours. In a small bowl, combine the cornmeal and ½ cup of water. Stir the cornmeal mixture and the pink and black beans into the chili.Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chili is thickened, about 10 minutes. (The chli can be made up to 3 days ahead. If desired, scrape off and discard the solidified fat that rises to the surface. Reheat the chili gently on top of the stove before serving.) Makes about 25 servings.