My Kinda Chili

Yesterday's high was 58 degrees! It was raining, foggy and the Sun didn't come out one time!! It was the perfect day for some chili. I've only made chili once before and I didn't like the way it turned out..I followed the easiest recipe that I could find on the internet. So this time, I did what every one else does and made it my own. My Hubs and I both agree it was the BEST chili we've ever had!
I used:
-1 large chopped green pepper(throwing all the seeds in the pot too)
-1 chopped yellow onion
-4-6 slices of crumbled bacon
-Hillshire Farm smoked sausage
-1 lb of browned ground beef
-3 cans of diced tomatoes
-1 can of kidney beans, drained
-1 can of black beans, drained
-1 can of chili beans in chili sauce
-1 packet of Lawrys chili seasoning
-oregano, basil, garlic salt, black pepper & cilantro to taste

The most important part was letting all of this simmer for about 4 hours and 30 mins.

..and of course topped with chopped green onions, shredded cheddar and sour cream. I also garnished it with a sprig of cilantro, I love that stuff! I drained my beans because I don't like soupy chili. I think next time I might try substituting a can of diced tomatoes for some of my favorite hot sauce. I love spicy food, my husband doesn't. : / I will still try it!
I've never heard of anyone putting cilantro in their chili, I just love it and I REALLY like the flavor it gave.

I made corn casserole to go with it. The best and most easy side dish there is!

For those that don't know; 1 can of whole corn, 1 can of creamstyle corn, 1 box of Jiffy cornbread mix and 1 stick of melted butter all mixed up and put in an 8x8 brownie pan baked for 45 mins at 350°. The last 5 mins of bake time, top with shredded cheddar.

Let us not be fancy, it tastes so much better all mixed up!

This was soo good! I can't wait to eat this again on another cold day.