It’s been a while since I posted a meal made with ground beef. This simple chili con carne recipe is something I have been making for years. It is very basic and easy to tweak to your own taste. Takes about 20 minutes to make, though it certainly won’t hurt it to sit longer. (My brother would be appalled at this…chili is something he takes very seriously. He is a volunteer fireman, and he and his friends enter a chili cook-off every winter…and they usually win.)
- Â 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 can tomato soup (or tomato sauce)
- 1 can sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup red pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 can red kidney beans, rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 tablespoon cumin (optional)
- salt and pepper to taste
I start this by putting a pot on the stove over medium heat, and adding the ground beef. I then put a lid on it, and let it cook for a couple of minutes, before lifting the lid, and crumbling it up with my spoon. Then I add the diced onion and minced garlic, and put the lid on for a couple more minutes. When the meat is browned and the onion is transparent, I drain off any excess fat, then add the other ingredients. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, or longer if desired. I really like this served with fresh cornbread. Serves 4 at approximately 10 points each.