Chili

My oh MY do we love us some chili around here! Chili is one of those things that gets better with reheating, am I right? And its a budget friendly meal that can be converted a thousand different ways. 

Chili mac...


Chili dogs.....


Chili cheese burritos.....


Ok enough Bubba Gump.....


You can, as always, take out or add depending on your tastes.  I like it on the spicey side.  I've even tried the Pioneer Woman's version of adding Masa flour to thicken it and give it a sweetness.  You really just can't go wrong with it.  I'll get to the point now.


2lbs of lean ground beef
3cans of kidney beans, strained and rinsed
1 yellow onion finely chopped
3 garlic cloves finely chopped
3 jalepeno peppers, seeded and flesh removed to taste
1 green bell pepper, chopped and seeded
1 tomato chopped
3 tsps of cumin
3tsps cayenne pepper
3Tblsps of chili powder
1 can of tomato paste
1 1/2 cups of water

In a large stock pot, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, jalepenos, bell pepper, cumin, cayenne pepper and chili powder.  Brown and crumble ground beef.  The fat should mostly cook off.  You shouldn't have to do much straining if you're using lean beef.  If you're not, then strain the fat.  Its okay if you have some.  Add water, beans, tomato and tomato paste.  Let it come up to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.  Garnish with sour cream, cheese or whatever you're into!

If you would like to try the Pioneer Woman's version, instead of adding just the water.  Place water and a 1/4 cup of Masa flour in a measuring cup.  Whisk it around to get the lumps out.  Then add it to your beef mixture with the rest of the ingredients.  The Masa will give it a sweet flavor.