I LOVE a good bowl of chili 🙂
This chili not only tastes great (because it’s my Mom’s recipe, of course), but it also freezes well. I always double this recipe so that there is a quick, hearty meal to thaw from the freezer on a busy night when I don’t have time to cook.
Anytime I have the chance to cook once in a large portion and freeze the rest for another meal, I do it. I think a lot of people would agree with me there!
Ingredients
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 2 cans tomato soup (I prefer to use Campbell's)
- 1 can dark red kidney beans
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder (or chili seasoning of your choice)
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot or dutch oven, saute onion and green pepper in a tablespoon of butter until slightly soft.
- Add ground meat and cook until brown, stirring occasionally.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Add cans of tomato soup and a half of a can of water to the pot. Stir.
- Rinse and add kidney beans.
- Add chili powder.
- Cook on low for about an hour, so that all of the flavors come together.
Cooking Notes:
-The amount of water that you add to this recipe depends on your preference. For a thicker chili, I use a half a can of water (using the tomato soup can). For a thinner chili, use up to a full can of water. Remember to add the water slowly. It is easy to make the chili thin, but not as easy to make it thick if it is already watered down.
-I prefer using Strauss chili mix. I have used it for years and it really gives the chili a great flavor. I believe this seasoning is only sold at stores in the Chicagoland area. If you are interested in purchasing it online directly from the company, you can do so here.
-When I double the recipe, I use two cans of beans. I enjoy using two different kinds. Usually one can of kidney beans and one can of black beans.
-I cook elbow macaroni to add to the chili and also garnish with sour cream, shredded cheese and jalapenos (if you want to add more spice). I complete the meal with a side of cornbread. If you haven’t ever tried Trader Joe’s cornbread, you absolutely need to! It is the best cornbread I have ever tasted and I promise it will be the only one you want to make after you give it a try!
