Chili, Plain and Simple but Darn Good

Kittencalskitchen's Note:

This is plain and simple but makes a wonderful chili, you may add in other ingredients if desired, my family likes this topped with cheddar cheese and sour cream then served with Kittencal's Parmesan Garlic Bread or Garlic Toast --- I strongly suggest to make this 1-3 days ahead the flavors will intensify and ripen, you will really notice a difference in flavor if made ahead --- all amounts may be adjusted to taste.

• Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 2 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 2 lbs lean ground beef
• 2 medium onions , chopped
• 1 green bell pepper , seeded and chopped
• 6 large garlic cloves , coarsley chopped (do not mince the garlic)
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) (optional)
• 2 -3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 4 (14 ½ ounce) cans stewed tomatoes , with juice
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 teaspoons seasoning salt or 2 teaspoons white salt , to taste
• 2 (15 ounce) cans red kidney beans , with juice

Directions:

1. In a large pot brown the ground beef with onion and green bell pepper until no longer pink; drain all fat.
2. Add in garlic, oregano and chili flakes; cook stirring until browned (about 12-15 minutes, for the best flavor the meat must be slightly browned).Add in chili powder and cumin; cook stirring for 2 minutes.
3. Add in stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce and seasoned salt; bring to a boil over medium heat stirring.
4. Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 1-1/2 hours stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in the beans with their liquid and continue to cook for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Reviews

[Mustang Sally 54269]

You sure know all the tricks for making a great meal. The chili hasn't even finished simmering and I already love it. We'll see what the Super Bowl party people think. Changed a couple things to our taste. We like our chili alittle thicker so added abit more beef & drained the beans. Reduced the red pepper flakes & cumin abit to cut some of the heat, however, next time I'll add the full amount cause I didn't find it overly spicy. Added chopped baby canned corn for an interesting color/texture.

[vivmom]

This was a delicious chili. Everyone loved it. I used 1 can of beans, added a little sweet Italian sausage and just a 28 oz. can of stewed tomatoes (along with the 15 oz. can tomato sauce). Served over Fritos with toppings of sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream and green onions. Mini corn muffins to accompany. Cest magnifique!

[Sandy918Mom]

Awesome chili! I had to reduce some of the heat (cumin, chili powder and red pepper flakes), by about half. I also did as someone suggested and added some beef bouillon and 2 tsp sugar. I drained the beans because it seemed a little watery prior to adding those. I let it simmer for just about an hr and a half, which seemed to allow the flavors to blend nicely. I served it with honey butter cornbread. This will be my go-to chili recipe. Very tasty!