Ingredients

  • 1 lb hot Italian sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 lb onion, coarsely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 2 lbs ground chuck
  • 3/4 lb green bell pepper, coarsely choppd
  • 3/4 lb red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/3 - 1/2 lb green jalapeno, seeded and cut into 1/8-inch dice
  • 3 (36 ounce) cans Italian plum tomatoes, drained
  • 1 cup dry red wine
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup minced fresh parsley
  • 6 tablespoons chili powder
  • 3 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoons dried oregano, crumbled
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil, crumbled
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons fresh ground pepper
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons fennel seeds
  • 2 lbs fresh Italian plum tomatoes, quartered
  • grated monterey jack cheese or grated cheddar cheese
  • sour cream
  • sliced green onion

Method

  • Combine sausages and water in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Cook until sausages are brown, stirring frequently, about 10 minutes. Transfer sausages to paper towels and drain.
  • Heat oil in heavy Dutch oven over low heat. Add onions and garlic. Cook until translucent, stirring occasionally, about 7 minutes.
  • Increase heat to medium. Add ground chuck and cook until well browned, mashing with fork and stirring frequently.
  • Add sausage, bell peppers and chilies. Cook until peppers are wilted, stirring frequently, about 10 minutes.
  • Mix in canned tomatoes, wine and tomato paste. Stir in herbs and spices. Simmer 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Add fresh tomatoes and cook 10 minutes. Tip pan and degrease.
  • Spoon into bowls.
  • Pass cheeses, sour cream, and onions separately.