What a day, a busy day, running here, running there, trying to meet everyone’s needs – seems like everyone needs something all at the same time – and I still haven’t thought about dinner. This is the part of the day that makes me a little crazy, so I need to have a plan. My plan, as I posted earlier, is to evaluate my level of stress “High”, “Medium” or “Low” and find a meal works with my level. Today I am not really stressed, but I am busy.
I think today is a Chili day. Chili is one of those meals that can cook for a long time (which enhances all the flavor) or a short time depending on your schedule. It comes together rather quickly and has plenty of protein and fiber that a family can love.
My Favorite Chili
Serves 6
2 pounds ground beef
2 onions, chopped
1 (4 oz) can diced chiles
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 (14.5 ounce) cans stewed tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans with liquid
1 tablespoon cocoa powder or 15 chocolate chips
Directions:
Combine ground beef, onion, chiles and garlic in large stockpot. Cook and stir over medium heat until beef is brown. Drain.
Stir in chili powder, salt, oregano, cumin, black pepper, tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Heat to boiling, reduce heat to simmer, and cover. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes.
Stir in beans. Simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes; stir occasionally
Optional additions: sour cream, corn chips, cheese and/or rice.
Serve with your favorite cornbread and you’re done! According to my family though, it isn’t chili unless there are noodle of some kind. So I always cook up elbow macaroni and serve it on the side. I am not a fan of pasta in my chili but whatever works. 🙂
Hint: If you don’t like the overpowering acid taste of the tomatoes, just add a tablespoon of sugar, Agave or honey and it will cut that acidic taste.
Bonus Hint: This is a great recipe to have the kids help you put it together. Someone can open the cans, grate the cheese and even count out the chocolate chips (which is usually my job for obvious reasons!). Try to find little ways to have your kids help you in the kitchen and they will begin learning how to cook themselves. I have found that kids will do just about any task when they feel it’s important to the meal (unless, they are 14 going on “to old to be bothered”, duh!).
