Midwest Best Chili

This is a version of the famous "Wendys" restaurant chili. It is a popular version most familiar to midwesterners. An all around good recipe.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 45 mins
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 2  lbs lean ground beef
• 1 (29 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (29 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed
• 1 (29 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed
• 1  cup  diced onion
• 1⁄2 cup  diced green chili pepper (2-3 chilis)
• 1  cup  diced celery (3-4 stalks)
• 4  medium tomatoes, diced
• 2  teaspoons cumin powder
• 2  tablespoons chili powder
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons black pepper
• 2  teaspoons salt
• 2  cups tomato juice or 2  cups  v 8  vegetable juice
• 1  cup water

Directions

1. Brown the ground beef in chili pot over medium heat.
2. Drain excess fat.
3. Add remaining ingredients.
4. cook on medium high heat until it simmers.
5. Stir about every 15 minutes, for 2 to 3 hours.
6. Remove from heat and rest 15 minutes before serving or cool immediately then reheat tomorrow for better yet.