Billy’s Jailbreak Chili

• 2 lbs. ground beef
• 1 chopped green pepper
• 1 jalapeno pepper (optional)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 sticks celery, chopped
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 2-3 Tbsp. chili powder
• 1 Tbsp. cumin
• 2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. coriander, optional
• 1 12 oz. can or bottle of beer
• 1 can beef broth
• 1 (6oz) can tomato paste
• 1 can stewed tomatoes
• 2 15 oz. cans pinto beans
• Add cayenne pepper to taste, optional
• … and then, add the secret ingredients – maple syrup (1/4 to 1/2 cup) and 1 tsp. of cinnamon!

Brown ground beef, onion, green pepper, celery, and garlic in large saucepan and then move to a crockpot. Add all remaining ingredients and simmer on LOW for 5-8 hours.

The longer it cooks, the better it is.

Billy Dawe, of Hanson, Massachusetts won the title of Grand Champion for his famous chili at the Rockland Eagles Chili/Chowder Cook-Off. Billy might be from New England, but his recipe is straight from Texas, thanks to his sweet yellow rose, Kristen, from San Antone. Billy took home the trophy for “Best Chili” and another for overall ”Grand Champion.”

Thanks to Sweet Tea With Cindy for the recipe!!