Easy Chili

This is just your basic chili recipe - it's easy and delicious!  I like to make it in the crock pot and let it simmer for a few hours to really give it lots of flavor!  The recipe can also be doubled easily to feed a larger crowd - say for a Superbowl party!

Enjoy!
Kirsten

EASY CHILI

1 pound ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
2 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
1 clove garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
4 teaspoons finely chopped jalapeno chile peppers (optional)
1 (29 oz.) can diced tomatoes
1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
1 (16 oz.) can chili beans, undrained
Salt & pepper to taste

1)  In a large saucepan over medium high heat, combine the ground beef, onion and bell peppers.  Saute for about 5 minutes, or until beef is browned.  Drain excess fat.

2)  Add the chili powder, garlic, bay leaf, cumin, chile peppers, tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans and salt and pepper.  Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low.  Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.

NOTES:

~I do not use the jalapenos, it is spicy enough for me without them, but if you like it extra spicy, go for it!

~Don't forget to fish out your bay leaf before serving!

~I usually make it in the crock pot, so after draining the beef & veggies, I add them to my crock pot, which already has the rest of the ingredients in it.  Stir it well and cook on low for a couple of hours or more and enjoy!

~Don't forget the gluten-free cornbread on the side!  If you don't want to make it from scratch, Pamela's make an awesome cornbread mix!!