HELEN’s Award Winning Chili

2 tablespoons bacon fat
1 large red onion, diced
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
1 medium yellow bell pepper, diced

2 jalapenos
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 pound lean ground beef
8 ounces Italian sausage, casing removed
1/4 cup chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon dried oregano
One 6-ounce can tomato paste
One 12-ounce bottle beer (IPA – use good stuff)
Three 14-ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes
One 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
One 15-ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
One 15-ounce can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

Directions

Add the bacon fat to a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the onions and peppers and saute until soft, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and saute until just fragrant. Stir in the beef and sausage, breaking it up with the back of a wooden spoon, and cook until browned. Drain the beef mixture through a colander placed over a large bowl. Add the meat back to the Dutch oven and stir in the chili powder, cumin and oregano. Cook for about 2 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste into the beef; this will “toast” it and give the chili more flavor. Add the beer and stir up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer, and then add the diced tomatoes and beans. Simmer on medium-low for 2 hours, stirring on occasion to keep the bottom from sticking.

Top with shredded cheese, sour cream and chopped green onions before serving.