Wendy's Copykat Chili

How cool are those Copykat recipes?  I have been a huge fan of the site for so many years now, I just love knowing that if I want to recreate a specific favorite dish from a restaurant, I can do so at home.  Love that!

With the weather cooling down around here I start craving stews, soups and chili's, and I do enjoy Wendy's Chili.

Copykat Wendy's Chili

2 pounds fresh ground beef
1 quart tomato juice
1 (29-ounce) can tomato puree
1 (15-ounce) can red beans, drained
1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained
1 large onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
1/2 cup diced celery
1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
1/4 cup chili powder (you may want to use less, as some people find this is too much)
1 teaspoon ground cumin (if you like real flavor, add more)
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

In a skillet, brown the ground beef; drain. Put the drained beef and the remaining ingredients in a 6-quart pot. Cover the pot; let it simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring every 15 minutes.