Nothing tastes better on a cold night than a hot bowl of chili. It'll warm you up from the inside out. And contrary to popular belief, you don't have to spend hours to make the perfect pot of chili.
This is another of those quick and easy ground beef recipes that has a short prep time, and big taste.
As always, I use a pound of 90/10 fat ground beef. You can make it less fatty if you'd like...or more fatty if it's easier. The other ingredients are simple as well: Salt, pepper, onion, picante sauce, Ranch Style beans, chili powder, and tomato sauce.
Pull out your favorite pot, and let's get started.
My first step is to pre-heat the pot on low heat. Drop in about a tablespoon of butter (or vegetable oil if you can't use butter). Chop about a quarter of an onion and put it in the pot with the melted butter. I generally use a sweet yellow onion. This is not so much about flavor as it is about my stinging eyes! You can use whatever type of onion your family enjoys. Let the onions sautee until they're translucent.
Add the ground beef to the pot and turn it up to high heat. Next into the pot is a half teaspoon of salt and about a quarter teaspoon of pepper. Then add a cup to a cup and a half of picante sauce. I like to use medium heat picante. But you can make it as spicy as you're feeling! Brown the meat, making sure to break it up as much as possible. Since this is chili, you want the meat to be more "saucy."
As soon as the meat is brown pour in the entire can of Ranch Style beans (15oz) and a can of tomato sauce. The last ingredient is two teaspoons of chili powder. Once again...you can add more if you're looking for more heat.
Turn the fire down to low heat and let the pot simmer for about 10 minutes. All of your flavors should be good and mixed. If you need to expand this, or make it "thinner," just use your tomato sauce can and add a whole can of water to the pot. For larger servings, remember this principle: for every pound of meat, a can of tomato sauce and Ranch Style beans.
I absolutely love my own chili. I can't help it. It's a smooth flavor that just makes my tummy happy! When I serve it to my family, I serve it over rice or Fritos. According to Christian, my 5 year old, Frito Pie is his favorite meal. And of course, its best with homemade chili!
A little cooking secret...I cheat on my rice! My sweet husband bought me a rice cooker for Christmas a few years ago, and I've never had to watch another pot of rice boil.
Dish up a bit of rice, or Fritos, and pour the chili on top. Then sprinkle a little shredded cheddar on top and warm up!
As always...I welcome questions and comments. I hope you enjoy!
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