Famous Hamburger Restaurant Chili
This is supposed to be the chili recipe from a famous hamburger chain where they claim to have recipies made with quality. This is from a local newspaper, and was published in the mid-90s. I have no way of verifying their claim save this seems to end up with more liquid than the restaurant variety - but they simmer theirs all day. It's also said the restaurant uses cooked hamburger that didn't sell, so perhaps cook the meat ahead of time and chill overnight. It's also seasoned a little while cooking, so whatever you like. Doesn't seem to make a difference to me...
2 lbs. of ground beef
1 quart tomato juice
1 can (29oz.) tomato puree
2 cans (15oz. each) red beans, drained
1 1/2 cup chopped onion
1 medium bell pepper, cleaned and diced
3 ribs celery, diced
1/4 cup chili powder
2 tsp ground cumin
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder (not garlic salt)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp each of black pepper, oregano, and sugar
1/8 tsp ground cayenne pepper
Brown the hamburger and drain. Add hamburger and all ingredients to pot of at least 6qt capacity. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer over low heat for 2-ish hours, or until vegetables are tender to your liking, stirring every 15 minutes. Reheats well.
Notes:
I usually omit the onion. This is personal preference, they don't taste good to me.
I usually try to use a sweeter pepper. Green is fine, red/yellow/orange work well.
A tsp of vanilla helps bring the flavors together.
Sometimes I'll add diced fresh tomato if I have it. A medium size ripe tomato works well.