My chili recipe is really yummy (IMO), and the only canned anything it calls for is tomatoes and worcestershire sauce. It is relatively spicy, leave out the cayenne and chipotle if that's a problem.
2 pounds ground meat (I love it with buffalo when I can find it)
2 large cloves garlic, sliced
1 med yellow onion, chopped
2 Tbs olive oil
14.5 oz can chopped or whole tomatoes (or two cups fresh)
2- 8 oz cans tomato sauce (or two cups)
~ 2 cups cooked beans (this is inexact, I just toss in what I have, or leave it out alltogether)
Spices:
1 Tbs Chili Powder
1 Tbs Cumin
1 tsp Garlic powder
1 tsp Thyme
1 tsp Tarragon
2 tsp Oregano
2 tsp Basil
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Cocoa powder
1 Tbs Worcestershire Sauce
1/2 tsp White Pepper (sub black if you don't have white)
1/2 tsp Chipotle Powder (this is just ground chipotle peppers, you can use it chopped from a can or leave it out)
1/4 tsp Cayenne
In a large pot, combine the garlic, onions and oil over medium heat. Cook 3 minutes or so, until the onions are just starting to turn limp. Stir in the herbs and spices, cook, stirring occasionally, until you can smell the spices. Add the meat, stirring to break it up, cook until the meat is cooked through. Add the tomatoes and simmer 5 minutes. Add cooked beans, simmer 30 minutes or so.
