Simple Fall Chili in 4 Easy Steps!

Our first big pot of chili was made today....the first batch of the fall season!  And this chili is so simple its almost a bit embarassing.  I feel like chili should be more complicated, but it isn't. Yes, you can add fancy peppers, beer or four different kinds of beans to make it a bit more exciting, but this recipe is the one I make most often.

It's simple and more importantly tastes good.

So here we go.  Write this down!

Step 1:  In a large stockpot saute one chopped onion and 3 cloves of minced garlic.

Step 2: Add in 2 lbs. of ground beef, cooking with the onion and garlic.  When meat is cooked, drain off fat.

Step 3: To the pot add: 3 T. chili powder, 1 T. cumin, 1/2 t. red pepper flakes, 1 t. garlic powder, 2 8 oz. cans tomato sauce, 32 oz. tomato or vegetable juice and 1 15 oz. can chili beans, undrained.

Step 4: Stir, simmer and serve.

Seriously, a robot could make this chili.  Don't you think?

We like to top ours with those little saltine oyster crackers.  Regular saltines work just fine, but I like how these stay crunchy from your first bit to your last bite.

Other toppings could be shredded cheese, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips.....really whatever you want!

So tell me, who is going to ditch their complicated chili recipe and make this easy one?

And as most know, chili always tastes better the next day.  All of the spices and flavors have time to meld together.  This recipe will make enough for two meals {at least, depending on how many are in your family}so NO cooking on day two!

That really is the best part.

Happy chili makin'.