Wendy's Copycat Chili

I entered the Chili cook-off at church this week and needed a winning recipe.   I scoured the internet for ideas - I don't personally enjoy chili, so this is a bit of a challenge.  I know lots of people who love some Wendy's chili, so in the end, I went with this copycat Wendy's chili recipe from Delish and modified it by adding some ideas from other recipes that I looked at - including bacon!

Wendy's Copycat Chili

1 T olive oil
5 slices bacon - chopped
1 onion - diced
2 garlic cloves - minced
1 green pepper - diced
2 stalks celery - diced
3 T tomato paste
3 lb hamburger
3 T chili powder
1 T cumin
1 tsp garlic powder
dash salt & pepper
1 can tomatoes & chiles
28 oz crushed tomatoes
2 cup beef broth
15 oz kidney beans - lightly drained
15 oz pinto beans - lightly drained

Brown hamburger, drain fat and set aside.  In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil, bacon, onion, garlic, pepper, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add in tomato paste, stirring constantly for 2 minutes.  Add browned hamburger and half of the beef broth so it doesn't burn. Add chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder, and season generously with salt and pepper. Pour in crushed tomatoes, using remaining beef broth to rinse the can to catch any remaining tomato. Add beans and stir to combine. Bring chili to a boil then reduce heat to low and let simmer until flavors meld and liquid is slightly reduced, about 40 minutes.  Serve with shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream.