Italian Pizza Chili

This is a really delicious and enjoyable "new" style of chili that serves well as a main meal or great for an appetizer. Make it for your next tailgate party!

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 zucchini peeled and diced
• 1 red bell pepper seeded and diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound sweet Italian sausage out of casing
• 1 package (8 ounces) sliced sweet pepperoni, diced
• 1 cup spaghetti sauce
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• 4-ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• cooking spray for baking dish
• Bread for serving

Preheat oven to 375.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add the sliced onion, zucchini, red bell pepper and cook for 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and pepperoni cook 3 minutes. Set aside.

Using the same pan, add beef and sausage and season with salt, pepper, oregano and basil; continue to cook until meat is browned and crumbled. Add back the vegetable mixture that you set aside. 

Stir in the cream cheese, tomato sauce and diced tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes.

Grease a rectangle baking pan. Spread the meat mixture into baking dish and top with mozzarella cheese and cheddar cheese. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Serve with crusty Italian bread!