Chili - My version of Wendy's

I enjoy Wendy's Chili and have found several "copycat" recipes. Since these vary from each other, and since I don't know the original recipe, I made my own version...and it's real good! 
(Mine is spicier than Wendy's, so see my notes on recipe to make it mild(er).)

  

Here's what you'll need:
Ground Beef or Ground Chuck, Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic Powder, Oregano, Cayenne Pepper, Sugar, Salt, Black Pepper, Package of Chili Seasoning Mix, &
[Canned:(Whole Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes, Dark Red Kidney Beans, Pinto Beans)]

 ...and Olive Oil (optional)

 

Start by adding meat to large pot. Add oil  to pot (optional).

Add chopped onion and bell pepper.

Cook beef and veggies until beef is browned. Drain grease.

Return meat mixture to pot. Add whole tomatoes. Chop up tomatoes with the spoon.

Add diced tomatoes.

Add pinto beans.

Add kidney beans.

Add tomato sauce.

Add seasonings and seasoning mix package.

Stir chili, cover pot with lid, and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes.

Serve.

  

I topped mine with shredded cheese and sour cream.  Mmmm!

My version of Wendy's Chili only slightly spicier...

*see note on recipe for mild(er) version

C H I L I

www.whispersofthyme.blogspot.com

Ingredients:

1 to 1.5 pounds Ground Beef or Ground Chuck

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil, optional

(28 ounce) can Whole Peeled Tomatoes

(14.5 ounce) can Diced Tomatoes

(8 ounce) can Tomato Sauce

(15 ounce) can Dark Red Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed

(15 ounce) can Pinto Beans...do  NOT drain

1 medium Onion, chopped

1/4 cup Green Bell Pepper, chopped or diced

2 teaspoons Chili Powder

1 1/2 teaspoons Cumin

1 1/2 teaspoons Garlic Powder

1 1/2 teaspoons Salt

1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper

1/2 teaspoon Dried Oregano

1/2 teaspoon Sugar

1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

1.25 ounce package Original Chili Seasoning Mix

Directions:

Place beef in large pot along with olive oil, if using. Add chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook until meat is browned, then drain grease from mixture. Return meat mixture to pot, add the can of whole tomatoes, and then chop up tomatoes with a spoon. Add all remaining ingredients.  Cover pot and simmer chili for 20 to 30 minutes. Serve as-is, or top with shredded cheese and/or sour cream dollop.

Note: If you like your chili mild(er), then reduce cayenne pepper (or omit altogether), and reduce chili powder by one-half.