Hearty Basic Chili

In a large pot, preferably a cast iron Dutch oven, saute chopped onions. Then add the ground meat. This recipe lends itself well to ground beef, or venison if you have a hunter in the family. Once browned, drain the fat.

Add tomato sauce, paste and cans of beans. Then begin to add all the seasonings.

This is a very mild chili, so start with the amounts listed, then taste and add more cayenne, cumin, and pepper if you want it to have a little more kick. I have small kids who love this chili as is.

Once all the ingredients are added, give it a good stir and set the heat to low. Let it cook slowly for at least 2 hours, if not longer. The longer you let it slow-cook, the better the flavors blend and the tastier the chili becomes.

Other things I’ve added include green bell peppers, zucchini, garlic (but not too much), potatoes, carrots, rice, fresh oregano from the garden, mmm yum! Lots of ways to get creative with this one!