Firehouse Chili

NC Griller's Note:

One of the best chili recipes I have found. Makes a big pot so invite your friends. The key to good chili is making sure you buy the best ground beef, preferably from a supermarket that grinds their own. It really does make a big difference.

• Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 2 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 10

• 2 lbs lean ground beef
• 1 large onion , chopped
• 3 stalks celery , chopped
• 1 ½ teaspoons instant minced garlic
• 1 (30 ounce) can chili beans
• 1 (29 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (28 ounce) can stewed tomatoes , cut up
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon bottled hot pepper sauce
• 6 cups elbow macaroni (cooked)

Directions:

1. In a 6- to 8-quart Dutch oven, cook meat, onion, celery and garlic until meat is brown and onion is tender; drain.
2. Stir in undrained chili beans, tomato sauce, undrained tomatoes, chili powder, and the 1 tablespoon bottled hot pepper sauce.
3. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 2 hours.
4. Serve chili over hot cooked macaroni. If you like, top with sour cream, cheddar cheese, and green onions, and pass additional hot pepper sauce.