Sweet Italian Chili

• Ready In: 2 hrs 45 mins
• Serves: 9
• Yields: 9 heaping cups

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 lbs  95% lean ground beef
• 3⁄4 cup  chopped bell pepper
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped fresh parsley
• 3⁄4 cup  chopped onion
• 3⁄4 cup  thinly sliced celery
• 2 (16 ounce) cans kidney beans, drained
• 1 (16 ounce) can stewed tomatoes
• 1 (12 ounce) can tomato paste
• 2  cups water
• 1⁄3 cup sugar
• 2  teaspoons dried sweet basil leaves
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2  teaspoons salt
• 2  teaspoons ground cumin
• 2  teaspoons chili powder
• 1⁄8 teaspoon garlic powder (Or the real stuff)
• 1  dash ground cloves
• 1  dash baking soda

Directions

1. Brown ground beef in a dutch oven.
2. Drain and return to pan.
3. Add bell pepper, parsley, onion and celery.
4. Saute until onion is clear, approximately 5 minutes.
5. Add remaining ingredients and simmer 1-1/2 to 2 hours.