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.