Carol s Vermont Chili

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves minced garlic

1 large onion, coarsely chopped

1 red bell pepper, coarsely chopped

2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and sliced

1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce

1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes

¾ cup maple syrup

1 (40 ounce) can kidney beans, drained

1 tablespoon coarse ground black pepper

2 tablespoons chili powder

4 pounds ground beef chuck

salt to taste

2 (12 ounce) bottles beer (such as Heineken®), or as needed

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in the garlic, onion, red bell pepper, and jalapeno peppers. Cook and stir until the onion is tender, about 7 minutes. Add the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, maple syrup, and kidney beans. Season with black pepper and chili powder. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.

Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and stir in the ground beef. Sprinkle beef with salt. Cook and stir until the beef is crumbly, evenly browned, and no longer pink. Drain and discard any excess grease; stir into the chili along with 1 beer. Cook and stir for 1 hour, stirring frequently. Season to taste with salt, and thin to desired consistency with 1 beer before serving.