RHONDA'S "ALMOST LIKE WENDY'S" CHILI

Rhonda's

Provided by Rhonda Sine @Kervee

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 tablespoon(s) vegetable oil
2 pound(s) ground beef
- salt and pepper
- garlic powder
- onion powder
1 - large onion, diced
2 - ribs of celery, with leaves, diced
1/2 - green bell pepper, finely diced
2 package(s) mccormick chili seasoning (i like original but they also have texas style or fiery hot)
1 can(s) roman or pinto beans (or chili seasoned beans)
1 can(s) kidney beans (light or dark)
1 can(s) diced tomatoes, any style but italian. ( i like the fire roasted or spicy red pepper by hunt's)
1 can(s) (48 oz) can/jug of v8 juice, regular or hot & spicy (if you like it thick, use half. i like mine soupy so i use a whole can.)
- chili powder*
- chili flakes*

Steps:

In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, add oil and then burger. Season with S & P, garlic powder and onion powder. Once meat is browned, add celery and cook til starting to get translucent. Add onions and repeat. Add green peppers and cook til just starting to get tender. Add seasoning packs, stirring well, let cook for a minute for spices to "bloom." Add beans and canned tomatoes, all with juices. Stir well again and let simmer for a few minutes. Add V8. Stir well again, turn heat to low and let simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. During that time (like after about 10 mnutes) taste and see if it's spicy enough. If you like it spicier, this is when you can add more chili powder, a tablespoon at a time, or chili flakes, but be aware, as it cooks it will get spicier. Also add more salt and pepper if needed at this time. If you use Fiery chili seasoning, chili seasoned beans, spicy tomatoes and spicy V8, it will be really hot and you shouldn't need extra. I like mine mild with just a little spice to it, more like Wendy's chili. Serve with good crusty bread and butter.