St. Louis Chili

Crispy Chili Con Queso - From St. Louis Souvenirs, a Children's Hospital Cookbook

Ingredients

• 2 Tbs Butter
• 1 Small Onion, chopped
• 1 Clove Garlic, chopped
• 1 Green Pepper, chopped
• 1/2 Cup chopped Celery
• 1 Pound Ground Beef
• 2 16-Ounce cans of Tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 Tsp Basil
• 2 Tbs Brown Sugar
• 2 Tbs Red Wine Vinegar
• 1/4 Cup Red Wine
• 1 15-Ounce can Pinto Beans, undrained
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 1 Tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 2/3 Tbs Spice Islands Chili Con Carne Seasoning
• 1 Tsp Salt
• 1/4 Tsp Pepper

For Serving

• Tortilla Chips
• Doritos (optional)
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded or grated)
• Sour Cream
• Green Onions

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large skillet. Sauté onion, garlic, green pepper, and celery until tender.
2. Add Ground Beef and cook until beef is browned
3. Add tomatoes, basil, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, red wine, undrained pinto beans, bay leaf, Worcestershire chili seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer to desired consistency, stirring occasionally
5. Remove bayleaf before serving
6. Serving: 
   1. Spoon into bowls and add your favorite toppings!
   2. Optional: Spoon chili into individual ovenproof bowls. 
      1. Top with a layer of Doritos and sprinkle liberally with shredded cheddar cheese.
      2. Broil until cheese melts & serve once slightly cooled!

This is an original recipe that won 4th place in the Missouri Chili Cookoff by Mrs. Richard H Amberg, Jr