Meat Mixture:

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1/2 pound Italian sausage (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Chili Base:

• 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup beef broth or water
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, to balance acidity)