I buy lemon juice(small bottle) put it in a spray bottle. Spray each layer. When I'm done cutting, I put all in tupperware and gently toss and swirl the container.
Listen, chili needs the onion flavor. Mince a small onion. I fry ground meat and Bob Evans med sausage in a large skillet.add the minced onion and some minced garlic in the last 2 minutes of frying. You will not see the onion or garlic, they kind of melt.