My Amazing Mom's Simple Chili
Family means the world to me, and I learned that from my mom. Growing up in the south, almost every holiday involved food in some way. We sat down for dinner almost every night, whether it was fancy and complicated, or a simple meal. My mom was an amazing cook, unfortunately not something that I inherited:( Much of what she made was either too difficult or too messy for me to ever attempt! Simply put, if it had more than a handful of ingredients, I was out. I have collected and perfected some of her simpler recipes and I am sure she would be proud even though they are basic… having two kids and going in a million directions, I wouldn’t have time for anything more complicated anyway. One bonus, minus the Fritos and Saltines, this is gluten-free! This chili is one of my favorites that we would often have on Halloween so we could get out of the house fast and on to trick or treating or the night before Thanksgiving to keep things easy as we prepared for Thanksgiving Day!
My Mom’s Favorite Chili
4- servings
Ingredients:
1-pound ground beef or more, if desired
2 15 oz. cans chili beans in sauce
One large can/jar tomato juice (more if you prefer a thinner consistency)
Chili powder (Start with 1 ½ tablespoons and season to taste)
Salt
Pepper
Cayenne pepper (if desired)
Optional Toppings:
Shredded cheddar cheese
Sour cream
Chopped green onions
Cilantro
Fritos or Saltine crackers
*You can sauté ¼ cup diced onion with the ground beef, if desired (I love it but my kids don’t!)
Directions:
1. Brown ground beef over medium heat in a large stockpot
2. Season ground beef with chili powder, salt and pepper to taste
3. Drain any excess fat leaving at least a tablespoon in the pot
4. Add the two cans of chili beans and tomato juice
5. Stir to mix, cover and let simmer covered for about 15 minutes over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally
6. Taste, adding additional seasoning if needed
7. Add cayenne pepper in small amounts, to taste, if desired
8. Serve with optional toppings and either Fritos or Saltine Crackers
9. Enjoy!
