Step 1

Using a large pan or dutch oven, cook diced onions and garlic in bacon grease or olive oil over medium heat, until caramelized.

Step 2

Add ground beef and sweet Italian sausage into pan with onion mixture.

Step 3

Cook over medium-high heat, stirring often until crumbled and well browned.

Step 4

In a bowl, mix brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic, black pepper, and kosher salt. Stir into cooked meat.

Step 5

Stir in one pound of cooked pinto beans with vegetable juice, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce and liquid smoke.

Step 6

Cover and simmer for 2- 3 hours.

Step 7

Stir often, making sure chili is not sticking to bottom of the pan as it thickens.

Step 8

Serve with your favorite chili toppings.