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Friday, August 26, 2011

Super Easy (and Delicious) Chili!

Recently I was watching Master Chef and one of the contestants was called "stupid" for trying to make chili in an hour. But really, not many people have 5 hours to let chili simmer. And, who doesn't love a big pot of chili? The way the aroma fills the house is intoxicating. Chili is one of my husband's favorite foods. He could eat it everyday. Now, don't get me wrong. I love chili, but I find it really hard to eat when it's 100 degree outside. However, the past few nights its been cooling off a little more than normal. So this Monday night, after coming home late because of Open House at work, the cool air hit me and I knew what I had to make! My hubby has been craving my chili and I knew that this was the perfect night to do it before it gets too hot again! 

This chili is very tasty, but most important very, very easy. As I mentioned, I made this after Open House at school and after working 14 hours!

Here's what you'll need:
1 medium bell pepper
1 medium red onion
1 clove garlic
1 1/2 lb. ground beef (or turkey)
1 package of chili seasoning
1 large can of crushed tomatoes
1 regular can of diced tomatoes
1 regular can of chili beans
Salt and pepper

 Chop your onion and bell pepper and begin cooking in the pot in about 1 tbsp. of olive oil. You can use whatever color bell pepper that you like. We had red and yellow from our garden that were delicious, but green would be just as good. Add dash of salt and pepper. At the very end, about 1 minute before the next step- add chopped garlic.

 The rest of the ingredients you need. When I went to the store last, the garlic didn't look too hot, so I got the jarred kind. One tsp. = one garlic clove. Super easy!

 After the vegetables are tender, add the ground meat. Cook until mostly brown and then add the package of seasoning. Mix well and continue to cook for about 2 minutes.

 Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and chili beans. Bring to a simmer and allow to simmer for 20 minutes. Of course, the longer you simmer, the better it gets!

Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, cornbread, etc.

Did I mention- if you use lean beef or turkey- this meal is also a VERY healthy meal?! 

Once the weather cools down more, there will be lots of chili simmering away at our house. I hope that you find this recipe as easy as I do!