Southwestern Chili

BE READY for Game Day with bowls of Southwestern Chili
Cook’s Note: The beauty of this recipe is it can be made ahead and even more flavorful the next day. The recipe is an Ever Ready Special and serves 8. I used Italian sausage to add more flavor to the dish. Pair the meal with cornbread muffins or Artisan bread.  

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. hamburger or Italian sausage, cooked, drained and crumbled
• 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper
• 2 cups diced celery
• 2 cups diced sweet onions
• 2 (24 oz.) jars of spicy tomato basil sauce or Marinara sauce
• 3 cans (14.5) diced tomatoes basil, garlic, oregano
• 1 cup each catsup and water
• 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 2 cans of light or dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can of pinto beans. drained and rinsed
• 1 small can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 bag of frozen Mexi corn or roasted corn. do not thaw
• 3-4 tablespoons chili powder 
• Optional dash of red pepper flakes

Directions:

• Brown meat with onions, celery salt, and pepper to taste and drain.
• In a crock pot or soup pot add the meat mixture with the rest of the ingredients. Mix well. 
• Simmer on low heat stove covered for 1-1/2 hours, stirring occasionally, or in a crock pot on low for several hours.