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Karen's Family Favorite Chili

Deep, rich layers of flavor define this bowl of red. Full of spice with just a hint of heat. Enough to satisfy those who seek "heat," and really make those of us who love spice but not "heat," happy. This recipe goes together quickly but a nice long simmer is needed to bring it all together.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings

Ingredients

  • 1 LB Ground Beef substitute Venison if you like
  • 1-1/2 Cups chopped Onion I use a sweet Onion like Walla Walla
  • 1 Cup diced Green Pepper
  • 1 large diced Jalapeno Pepper about 3-4 inches long
  • 1 Tsp minced Garlic
  • 1 Tsp Salt
  • 1/4 Tsp ground Black Pepper
  • 1 Tsp ground Cumin
  • 1 Tsp Cocoa Powder secret ingredient!
  • 3 TBSP Chili Powder please use top quality and not the stuff on the bottom shelf in the grocery store. It makes a world of difference
  • 2 14 oz cans diced Tomatoes
  • 1 28 oz can Dark Red Kidney Beans rinsed and drained!
  • 2 Cups Water
  • 1 TBSP Honey another "secret" ingredient, added at the very end

Instructions

  • Prepare the Onion, Garlic, Green and Jalapeno Peppers and set aside
  • In a large kettle, brown the Ground Beef. Drain off any fat, then add the Onions, Garlic and Peppers. Let that simmer about 5 minutes until the vegetables are wilted. Stir it a few times.
  • Stir in the spices. Salt, Pepper, Cumin, Cocoa Powder and Chili Powder until well combined.
  • Drain and Rinse the Kidney Beans then add them to the Kettle.
  • Stir in the diced Tomatoes and the 2 Cups of Water.
  • Bring it all to a boil, lower the heat to a simmer and let the Chili cook for at least 1 Hour. ( up to 1-1/2 hours). Stir the pot several times to prevent the Chili from sticking and burning. Stir in that Tablespoon of Honey and simmer another minute or 2.
  • That's it friends. That is one Kettle of flavor filled Family Friendly Chili! Serve with your favorite toppings. I like shredded Cheddar Cheese. Sparky likes it "loaded" with Cheese, Onions and Sour Cream. AND...there is nothing wrong with a Cast Iron Skillet of piping hot Cornbread to go with it!