Chili with Sausage and Jalapeno

Makes 8 servings

From Dinosaur BBQ - Rochester, NY

ingredients

4 tbsp olive oil, divided
1 pound lean ground beef
3/4 pound Italian sweet sausages, casings removed
1 large onion, chopped
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
2 jalapeno chiles, seeded, finely chopped
2 bay leaves
6 garlic cloves, minced
2 28-ounce cans crushed tomatoes with added puree
3 tbsp chili powder
2 tbsp cumin
2 tbsp (packed) golden brown sugar
1 tbsp black pepper
2 tsp dried basil
2 tsp oregano
pinch cayenne pepper
2 tbsp lime juice
hot pepper sauce
grated Monterey Jack cheese
chopped red onion
sour cream

directions

Heat 2 tbsp oil in heavy large pot over high heat. Add beef and sausages; cook until brown, breaking up with spoon, about 8 minutes. Transfer meat mixture to bowl. Reduce heat to medium high. Add remaining oil to pot. Add onion, bell pepper, jalapenos, and bay leaves, Cook until vegetables are soft, stirring frequently, about 7 minutes. Add garlic, saute 1 minute. Return meat to pot. Mix in tomatoes and next 7 ingredients. Simmer 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mix in lime juice. Season with salt. Serve chili in bowls, passing hot-sauce, cheese, red onion and sour cream separately.

Source: BA