Manic Monday~ Easy Chili

A few years ago, I received an email from a friend that had "top secret" restaurant recipes attached to it.  I finally decided to try a recipe for chili that said it was like that of Wendys'.  I don't do fast food, so I am not sure if it tastes the same, you'll have to tell me what you think.  Anyway, even if it doesn't taste the same, it is really good chili.  A must try.

Ingredients

 1 pound ground beef (I get 90% or greater, I also add a little more meat than 
        the recipe calls for)

1 15−ounce can of diced tomatoes (liquid included)

1 15−ounce can of red kidney beans (liquid drained)

1 15−ounce can of pinto beans (liquid drained)

1 8−ounce can tomato sauce

1/2 medium white onion, diced (I used red)

1 4−ounce can diced green chilies (with liquid) (I omitted)

2 Tablespoons chopped celery

2 Tablespoons chili powder

1/2 Tablespoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1 cup water

**There wasn't enough liquid for me, so I added about 1 1/2 C. of beef broth, and about another Tablespoon of chili powder.**

1. Brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking into small pieces with

the spatula. Add a dash of salt and pepper while cooking.

2. Empty the cooked meat into a spaghetti strainer, and rinse well under

very hot water. This removes the bulk of the fat.

3. Transfer the beef into a dutch oven, and add the remaining ingredients.

Stir together to combine thoroughly.

4. Over medium heat, bring to a simmer. Reduce the burner to low, and

continue simmering 50−60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

I love to have a spread of extra onions, cheese, sour cream, and chives to put on top of the chili.  I also make enough for leftovers, because we love to put it on baked potatoes the next night.  Such an easy way to get two nights worth of dinner cooked in one night! 
Also, this would be an easy chili to make in a crock pot, just brown the meat and dump everything into the crock pot.  Don't forget the coupon for crock pot liners!
Enjoy!