Prep ingredients.
Heat a soup kettle or Dutch oven. Once hot, heat the oil in prep for sauting the veggies.
Add the Veggies and saut until tender. ~15 min.
If you need the room, remove the Veggies from the pan. Brown the Meat. ~15 min.
When the meat is brown, drain the juices and oil from the pan.
Stir in the Sauce ingredients with the Meat and Veggies.
TIP: start light on the salt and pepper. More can be added later, to taste. Only add the water if the consistency is looking thicker than you prefer.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 20 minutes. Stir occasionally.
The flavor develops more over time, so if you have the time, continue simmering for another 30-120 minutes (or more!)
Taste periodically through cooking. Add salt, pepper, and/or water as needed.
If you're someone who likes Beans in their chili, add them 10-20 minutes before you're ready to eat. Simmer until the Beans are heated through.
Otherwise, skip this step!
Dish up and enjoy!!!
