Secret Ingredient

1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

1 green bell pepper, finely chopped

1/2 cup celery, finely chopped

1 cup (1 small) yellow onion, finely chopped

1-2 small jalapeño peppers, optional seeds removed and finely diced

30 oz chili (pinto) beans in medium sauce

15 oz chili (pinto or kidney) beans in mild sauce

56 oz petite diced tomatoes, undrained

6 oz tomato paste

2 lbs (32 oz) ground beef chuck

2 lbs (32 oz) Italian sausage

4 T chili powder

1 T dried oregano

Secret Ingredient

1 t dried basil

1 t seasoned salt & 3/4 t pepper

1 t cayenne pepper

1 t paprika

1 T white sugar

Secret Ingredient

1 T minced garlic

3 regular-sized beef buillon cubes

Optional: fresh cilantro, sour cream, freshly grated sharp Cheddar cheese