1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado, olive, or vegetable)

1 cup chopped celery

1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion

1 cup chopped green bell pepper

1 cup chopped red bell pepper

2–3 tablespoons chopped serrano pepper

1/4 cup chili powder

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic

2 pounds lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)

1 pound bulk beef sausage

3 (15-ounce) cans chili beans, drained

1 (15-ounce) can chili beans in spicy sauce (do not drain)

2 (28-ounce) cans diced tomatoes (do not drain)

1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste

1/4 cup cooked, crumbled smoked beef

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon hot sauce

4 beef bouillon cubes or 4 teaspoons beef bouillon paste

1 cup beef broth

1 teaspoon granulated sugar

1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste