Low Fat Chili

An easy chili recipe with lean ground beef and low in calories and fat. Most often when I want chili I want beef not chicken or turkey. This simple chili lends itself to many variations while still remaining low in calories.

• Ready In: 1 hr 20 mins
• Serves: 10

Ingredients

• 1  lb ground beef (lean 97/3)
• 2 (15 ounce) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 (15 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1  small onion, chopped
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons dried garlic, reconstituted
• 2  tablespoons chili powder (see note)
• 1  tablespoon cumin (see note)
• 2  teaspoons  ground red pepper (see note)
• 2  teaspoons cilantro
• 2  teaspoons salt
• 1 1⁄2 cups water (optional, use as needed for consistancy)

Directions

1. Cook ground beef and onions together in a skillet until meat is browned and onion is almost clear. If using 93/7 lean ground beef a small amount of oil might be needed to prevent sticking.
2. Combine all ingredients in large pot. Bring to a boil and reduce heat. Cover and simmer for about 1 hour.
3. Note: many variations are possible. Try adding green chilies, cubed potatoes, rice, light or fat free cheddar or whatever you can imagine.
4. NOTE: Calories calculated by this system differ radically from my own. Using the values given on each of the items in the recipe I calculated only 180 Calories per 1 cup serving. 'Zaar might not be adjusting for extra lean groung beef.
5. NOTE: For a milder version reduce chili powder, cumin and red pepper by 1/2.