January 7, 2014 False Alarm Chili UPDATED

This recipe originated from an office chili throw down, but has since had modifications that you may recognize.  Adding various toppings (cornbread, oyster crackers, jalapenos, sour cream/Greek yogurt, cheddar cheese, Fritos if you're into that) is a nice touch.  Brownies are a good dessert to serve alongside this one.  I think Merlot pairs well with this meal.

Ingredients
2 lbs high quality lean ground sirloin
1 lb pork sausage (alternatively, use three lbs lean ground sirloin if trying to keep it kosher)
1 white onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 jars of Heinz chili sauce
False alarm chili seasoning (see related post); alternatively, "2 alarm chili seasoning" kit found at Walmart
3 cans diced tomatoes with peppers
2 cans chili beans (1 hot and 1 regular)
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (depends on the crowd I'm making this for.  Sometimes I omit this.)
2 tbs. olive oil
2 tbs. tomato paste
1 garlic clove, minced

Heat oil in largest skillet you own until it's shimmering.  Add minced garlic clove and chopped onion and fry until fragrant.  Add ground sirloin (and opt. sausage).  If your skillet is too crowded you will have to fry the meat in two batches so it doesn't steam.  Add chopped red bell pepper to meat mixture.  Fry until meat is cooked through and no longer pink.

Meanwhile, pour 3 cans of diced tomatoes and 2 cans of chili beans (and opt. kidney beans) into slow cooker.  Add meat mixture to the crock pot.  Add false alarm chili seasoning, 2 tbs. tomato paste and 2 jars of Heinz chili sauce.  Cook on low for approx. 8 hours or high for 3 - 5 hours.   

The ingredients will be fully cooked when put in the crock pot, so the duration is to improve the flavor and texture.