Easy Beef Chili

Chili seems to be the perennial favorite at football parties, so with the conference championships this Sunday and the Super Bowl not far behind, thought I would share a recipe for beef chili. (Visit my posting Football Party Foods for more ideas.)

Whether you are having a crowd, just the family, or simply want to enjoy a casual evening on a cold winter's night, nothing sticks to your ribs more than a warm bowl of chili.

This is such an easy recipe, takes no time at all and it is loaded with lots of spicy tomato flavor.

Don't like beef? No problem, use ground chicken or turkey instead. Like it hotter? Add more cayenne pepper. Want more veggies? Brown some chopped bell peppers along with the onions.

Easy Beef Chili
(Serves 6 to 8.)

• 2 pounds ground beef (or ground chicken or turkey)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
• 8 ounces of water
• 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes in juice
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 15-ounce can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• Shredded cheddar, for serving (optional)
• Chopped onions, for serving (optional)
• Sour cream, for serving (optional)
• Corn bread, as an accompaniment (optional)

Easy Beef Chili

Place the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat. Break up the beef with a fork. Add the chopped onion and brown until the beef is no longer pink.

Drain off the excess fat. Add the tomato sauce, the water, the can of chopped tomatoes and the spices. Mix well.

Cover, and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the beans and simmer for 10 more minutes.

Adjust seasonings to taste. Serve in bowls and put out shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions and sour cream for toppings. Serve with corn bread.