I like to use a mix of black and pinto beans I cook ahead in pressure cooker. Its just better when you start with hard beans the canned stuff just isnt the same. If I dont make my own spice I use Williams original. I use a mixture of ground beef and pork sometimes substitute pork for turkey. I skip all that if I have venison. I used to throw in a pound of RB Rice chili brick peppers onion corn meal and black coffee. When Sara Lee bought RB Rice they discontinued chili brick so I go with an inferior Fanstil or Edmonds.
Also good just on chili dogs better than any can.