Dixie's Quicki Chili

Everybody and their grandma has a chili recipe.  I'm no different.  Heck, I have two recipes.  This one is the one I make most frequently as since it's a bit more versatile than the other one.  This recipe can be made in as little time as 30 minutes or you can put it in the slow cooker and let it go all day long.  It's great either way.  I call it Quicki Chili since I usually make it the faster way but as that cooler weather sets in it sure is nice to smell it simmering away all day long.

Dixie's Quicki Chili

2 pounds ground beef
1 can Ro-­Tel (use a can of plain diced tomatoes if heat sensitive)
1 cup warm water (or 1 cup beef stock or broth)
1 1⁄2 tsp beef base or 3 bouillon cubes (n/a if using stock)
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons chili powder
1⁄2 tablespoon ground cumin
1⁄2 tablespoon red pepper flake (leave out if heat sensitive)
1⁄2 tablespoon garlic powder or 2-­3 fresh cloves
1⁄2 teaspoon dried oregano
1⁄2 onion, peeled and chunked
1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and chunked
1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and diced (do not add to blender)
Optional: 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (do not blend, add to beef just before sauce)

In a blender combine everything except meat, diced green pepper and beans. Puree until smooth. Set aside.

Brown meat and drain off excess fat.

Quick Method:
Add sauce, diced green bell pepper, and beans and bring to a boil; reduce and simmer at least 20 minutes.

Slow Cooker Method:
Add cooked meat, sauce, diced green bell pepper and beans (optional) to crock of a slow cooker.  Stir well.  Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW for 6-8 hours.

Serve as is or over rice.

Meatless Chili:
Substitute 2 (12 oz) bags of Boca Ground Crumbles for the ground beef. In a skillet coated with cooking spray over medium heat, add crumbles and heat through. Add sauce, increase heat to bring to boil; reduce to simmer for at least 20 minutes.

Click HERE for a printable version of this recipe.

You have a lot of leeway with the heat level of this recipe.  Play around with it and find out what works for you.  Personally I say, the hotter the better ;)

Enjoy!