Hearty Beer Chili

Another new recipe. I have this cooking in my crockpot right now and it smells wonderful! I just sampled it and (granted it's only been cooking for about an hour so it's no where near ready but) it was wonderful! I can't wait to eat a bowl of it tonight with some sour cream and cheese and a peanut butter sandwich!

HEARTY BEER CHILI

2 1/2 - 3 pounds chuck roast, trimmed
1 pound italian sausage
3 tbsps. olive oil
2 medium onions, chopped
3 tbsps. chili powder
1 tbsp. oregano
2 tsps. cumin
1 tsp. garlic, minced
1 tsp. basil
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
3 medium cans diced tomatoes
6 oz. can tomato paste
8 oz. can tomato sauce
1 medium can chili beans (optional)
1 medium can kidney or black beans (optional)
24 oz. beer
12 oz. water

Cut roast into bite size pieces. Place in bowl and add 2 tbsps. olive oil and 2
tbsps. chili powder. Mix and marinate meat overnight.

Brown meat in small batches in 2-3 tbsps. olive oil. Add to crockpot. Brown
sausage in leftover oil and drain. Add to crockpot. Add onions, garlic, chili
powder, oregano, cumin, garlic, basil, salt and pepper to frying pan. Stir and
cook for about 3 minutes. Add to crockpot. Add remaining ingredients. Cook on high 4-6 hours or low 8-10 hours. Serve in bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream if desired.