How do you fix chili that tastes like spaghetti sauce?

[luvmypeanut]

I make a lot of chili during football season. So why does this pot tastes like spicy tomato sauce? I've added extra chili powder but it's not doing the trick. Help?!

[Piglet]

What is your recipe? Mine is sometimes saucier than other times, but generally can't be confused for tomato sauce. Maybe you need more texture or maybe you need new chili powder (it gets very bland over time).

[luvmypeanut]

Basically, I use onions, red and yellow peppers, garlic, ground beef, tomato puree, chili powder, paprika, kidney beans, dried italian herbs, habanero peppers, salt and pepper. I just eyeball the amounts and it's never failed me before.

[michellerw]

More garlic and add cumin. And you might want to buy new chili powder. Yours may just be old and bland.

[bubbaray]

More garlic, new chili powder and omit the Italian seasoning.

[luvmypeanut]

Thanks! Will give it a try.

[michellerw]

I would use a touch of oregano (I use it in taco seasoning and chili) but not italian seasoning -- it has things like rosemary, basil, etc, that will sweeten up the chili and you don't want that.

[luvmypeanut]

Cumin! It was the cumin. Must have had a brain fart. The minute I opened the jar I knew. And good call on the Italian seasoning. I couldn't figure out why there was a bit of a sweet aftertaste. DH was great and didn't mind at all. Thanks!