All-American Chili

All-American Chili(Adapted from CL)

6 ounces hot turkey Italian sausage, casings removed
2 cups chopped onion
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
8 garlic cloves, minced
16 ounces ground sirloin
1 jalapeño pepper, chopped
3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 bay leaves
1 1/4 cups Merlot
56 ounces canned whole tomatoes, undrained and coarsely chopped
30 ounces canned kidney beans, drained
2 ounces shredded white cheddar cheese

In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add sausage, onion, red bell pepper, garlic, ground sirlion and jalapeño. Cook 8 minutes or until sausage and beef are browned, stirring to crumble.

Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, oregano, black pepper, salt and bay leaves. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add in wine, tomatoes, and kidney beans; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Uncover and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the bay leaves and ladel into bowls. Sprinkle each serving with cheese.

Serves 6-8