Easy and Quick Ground Beef and Salsa Chili

This meal can be on the table in around an hour, even faster if you have freezer-ready ground beef mix, or you can simmer it for longer. If you do not have any chili seasoning mix use about 2-4 tablespoons chili powder instead, you can substitute 2 cups tomato sauce mixed with 1 cup water in place of tomato juice. This is great served with crostini or crusty buns

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 lbs lean ground beef
• 1  large onion, chopped
• 1  tablespoon  fresh minced garlic
• 1 -2  jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped, optional (add in if you like spicy)
• 1  small green bell pepper, chopped (optional)
• 3  cups tomato juice (make sure it is a good quality tomato juice, I use Heinz)
• 1 (12 ounce) jar thick & chunky salsa (about 1-1/2 cups)
• 1 (15 ounce) can red kidney beans or 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 (10 3/4ounce) can  tomato soup, undiluted
•  chili seasoning mix (packaged or homemade, any amount to taste, you can use half package or all of the package)
•  shredded cheddar cheese
•  chopped onion (optional)

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, cook the ground beef with onion, garlic, jalapeno and green pepper (if using) .
2. Stir in tomato juice, salsa, beans, undrained tomatoes, tomato soup and chili seasoning mix; mix well to combine and bring to a boil.
3. Simmer, covered for about 40-45 minutes (can cook longer if desired).
4. Serve in bowls and top with grated cheese and onions.