Ex-DCer Seeks Artificial Ben’s Chili Bowl Experience

On Ask MetaFilter, a lament:

"Ben's chili is the food of the gods. Sadly, I no longer live anywhere near Ben's, and so I want to try to make it myself. Although I'll probably be adding beans, to make it more meal-like (since I most likely won't be pouring it on hot dogs and french fries). And I want to make it in a crockpot.

"I know the recipe is 'top-secret,' but I bet I'm not the first person to ever attempt it at home."

Does anyone out there know the secret? If so, hop on over to AskMeFi and hope somebody out. I think the recipe actually calls for pouring it on hot dogs and french fries, though. Let's be reasonable.