Black Bean and Sausage Chili

2, 1-lb. packages breakfast sausage, 
  (try one "hot" and one regular) 
1 pound lean ground beef 
2 1/2 tbsp chili powder 
2 tsp ground oregano 
1 tsp salt 
1 tsp cumin 
4 cloves garlic 
2 medium onions 
1 tbsp chopped jalapenos 
3, 14-oz cans Italian-style stewed tomatoes
   (for hotter chili - use Rotel Tomatoes) 
2, 15 oz cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1 handful of chopped cilantro
Grated Cheese
Sour Cream 

Chop onions, garlic and jalapenos in food processor 
or by hand. 
In large skillet saute sausage and beef with spices, 
drain and set aside. Saute onions, garlic and jalapenos 
until onions are soft. Add meat back to the pot.

Lightly puree the tomatoes (optional step)and add to 
the meat and onion mixture and put it all
in the crock pot. Cover and cook on high for 1 hour. 

Adjust seasoning, if necessary. Add the beans and cook 
on low for 2 hrs. 
Serve with sour cream and grated cheese. 
Serves 8-10. 

*** Note: This chili is Delicious! - but a little dry. 
I did not puree the tomatoes - and that might have 
made it less dry.  I think you could add a can of 
tomato sauce and it wouldn't hurt the recipe or the flavor.