TODAY'S KITCHEN - Al Roker's Chili

I don't think my mornings could be complete unless the TODAY show clicked on at 7 o'clock each morning.  I really enjoy the hosts and their stories of what's going on in the world TODAY.  I bought TODAY'S KITCHEN Cookbook quite a while ago; there are recipes from the hosts as well as from the hottest chefs and  celebrities.  Here you will find the recipe for Al's Chili (Al Roker), which would be real tasty on these cool fall evenings.

2 lbs chuck steak, cubed into bite size pieces

1 lb hot Italian sausage, removed from casings
2 large onions, diced
12 cloves garlic, diced
1 Tbs cumin
1 Tbs paprika
1 Tbs pure chili powder
1 32-oz can crushed tomatoes
1 16-oz can pinto beans
1 16-oz can northern beans
1 16-oz can dark red kidney beans

Brown the beef and sausage in a large dutch oven.  Remove meat from pan and reserve.   Drain off the fat, reserving about 2 Tbs.  saute' the onions and garlic until translucent, about 7 to 8 minutes.

Add the cumin, paprika, and chili powder.  then add the tomatoes and the meat into the Dutch oven.  Stir the whole pot, and simmer on the stove for about an hour and a half.  at that point, add the three cans of beans, simmer for another 30 minutes.

Serve with dishes of chopped scallions, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese.  a nice warm corn bread would be nice as well.