Secret Ingredient Chili

Melt the butter in a stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the bell pepper, jalapeno pepper, onion, and carrot to the pot. Sauté about 5 minutes, until caramelization begins. Add the garlic and sauté a minute more, just until fragrant. Do not burn the garlic!

Add the ground beef and sausage to the pot and brown. Be careful not to break the meat up too much, you want it to be slightly chunky. When brown, drain the fat from the pot, then return to heat.

Stir in all the spices, including the chipotle pepper if desired. Cook 2 minutes, stirring to combine.

Stir in the tomato sauce and tomato paste. Stir to combine, warm for 2 minutes, then stir in the beer and chicken stock. Add the diced tomatoes, pinto beans, and black beans. Stir well, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour. At this point, the chili will be a little thin.

After 1 hour, stir in the peanut butter until well-blended. This will thicken the chili as it simmers. Simmer at least 1 hour more, then serve hot. Top with cheddar cheese, green onions, and sour cream if desired. Or use the chili to top your hot dogs, hamburgers, French fries, etc.