Better Than Wendy’s Second Place Chili

As a kid I sporadically participated in the 4-H club, a youth organization focusing on helping kids learn by doing in such fields as agriculture, health and science…or some sh*t like that.

I went to a weekend retreat-type camp for 4-Hers as a preteen.  Don’t ask me how I got in.  I wasn’t exactly a card carrying member, but my mother worked with the local organizer and was always trying to get me to participate, so I guess she pulled some strings.  I reluctantly agreed to attend, what I considered to be, the lamest weekend summer camp.  It was nothing like what I’d seen in the movies.  There was way too much down time, with the major event being some dumb talent show on the last day.  Needless to say, I kind of hated it and never went back.

But, I was again talked into participating in some 4-H event at another point in my childhood.  I entered some contest and won a blue ribbon for a “How to Bathe Your Dog” instruction poster.  I can’t remember what a blue ribbon meant, but I should not have won anything.  It was ridiculous.  My “project” was literally a poster with Polaroid pictures of the step by step process of bathing a dog.  Lame, I know.

Blame it on my religious upbringing, but I’ve always believed in redemption.  And I got mine when, a few years ago, a younger version of me needed help with her 4-H project.  Thankfully, she was given a little more direction and focus than me, who chose to randomly pick a project from the sky.  She was to come up with a recipe and cook a dish. This, I thought, is something I could help with.  We decided to develop a recipe for chili which was similar, but better than, Wendy’s chili.

Better Than Wendy's Second Place Chili

Now, full disclaimer, this dish did not win first place at the regional competition. No, we were robbed of that honor (probably by some unimaginative boy with a recipe for spinach and artichoke dip). Nevertheless, out of our "loss" was borne a nickname. The "Better Than Wendy's Chill" became affectionately known as the "Second Place" Chili. Judge for yourself:

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Ingredients

  

• 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 yellow onion diced
• 1 green bell pepper diced
• 2 8 ounces cans tomato sauce
• 2 14.5 ounces cans southwestern style diced tomatoes
• 1 16 ounces can pinto bean
• 1 16 ounces can kidney beans
• 1/4 cup chili powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar

Instructions

 

• In Dutch Oven, Brown Ground Meat And Onions On Medium Heat.
• Add Remaining Ingredients To Dutch Oven And Stir.
• Bring To A Boil.
• Reduce Heat And Simmer.
• Cover And Let Simmer For 45 Minutes, Stirring Occasionally.
• Serve With Your Choice Of Toppings Such As Grated Cheese, Diced Onions, Sour Cream, Crackers, Etc.