Chili

Our family chili

Ingredients

  • 1-2 lbs lean ground beef
  • 1 large or 2 small cans bush’s chili beans (mild or medium) (optional)
  • 1 large or 2 small cans tomato sauce OR 1 large can diced tomatoes and 1 small can sauce (any combination really)
  • chili powder, to taste
  • cumin, to taste
  • oregano, to taste
  • onion power or freshly chopped onion, to taste
  • black pepper, to taste
  • salt, to taste

Directions

  • Cook the ground beef. Drain if necessary.
  • Add chili powder, cumin, oregano, onion powder or onion, and black pepper. Stir well.
  • I generally add a little less than a tablespoon of chili powder and cumin, a light sprinkle of oregano, and about a teaspoon of onion powder. I also add a good sprinkling of pepper. I do not add salt until the end as the beans and tomato products are salty.
  • Add the beans and tomato products. Stir well.
  • Taste. Adjust seasonings as necessary. You may need more chili powder and cumin.

Options

  • If the chili is too sweet (often from using only tomato sauce), add a few drops of lemon juice.
  • Add a little beef stock if desired.
  • A little cayenne is always good.
  • A friend in college used to add a little smooth peanut butter. I do not do this but it’s not awful.