All-American Chili

Ingredients

 * 1 lb ground Sirloin
 * 1/2 lb Hot Italian Sausage
 * 1 large Onion, chopped
 * 1 Red Bell Pepper, chopped
 * 8 Garlic Cloves, minced
 * 1 Jalapeno Pepper, chopped
 * 4 tablespoons Chili Powder
 * 3 tablespoons Brown Sugar
 * 1 tablespoon ground Cumin
 * 3 tablespoons Tomato Paste
 * 1 teaspoon dried Oregano
 * 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground Pepper
 * 1/2 teaspoon Salt
 * 2 Bay Leaves
 * 1 1/4 cups Merlot (or Beef Broth)
 * 2 (28 ounces) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
 * 2 (15 ounces) cans Kidney Beans, drained
 * 1 (15 ounces) can Pinto Beans, drained
 * 1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar Cheese

Directions

 * Heat a Dutch Oven over medium-heat.
 * Remove casings from sausage.
 * Add sausage, Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic, ground Sirloin, and Jalapeno to pan;
 * Cook 10-12 minutes
 * Add Chili Powder, Brown Sugar, Cumin, Tomato Paste, Oregano, Pepper, Salt, Bay Leaves,
 * Stir in wine, tomatoes, Kidney Beans, and Pinto Beans; bring to boil.
 * Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
 * Uncover and cook for 40 minutes
 * Discard the Bay Leaves.
 * Sprinkle each serving with Cheddar Cheese.