Mom's Chili

There's always a debate about chili:  with beans, without beans, with meat, without meat, spicy or mild. Everyone has "the recipe" they grew up with and prefer.  I like mine with beans AND meat.  My mom makes the best chili and I will admit that I am a tad biased, but it really is so good. After some prodding, she finally shared her recipe with me a few years ago.  It's a recipe that's been in her family for years.  She's made it this same way her entire life because it's how her dad taught her how to make it.  And...it's delcious, but the best part...it's easy.  You can eat it plain, with crackers, as a frito chili pie, as three-way chili, as chili-cheese fries or load it up with all kinds of good things. This chili is even better the next day as leftovers.  Plus, IF you do have leftovers, it freezes well.  I hope you enjoy my mom's famous chili recipe.

Last night I had some friends over for dinner and made a Chili Bar.  I put the chili in a slow cooker so it could stay hot and put out bowls of toppings, fritos, french fries, and hot dogs. My guests made their chili the exact way they wanted.  It's an easy way to entertain for a casual and fun evening. 

Mom's Chili
2 pounds ground beef
2 Tablespoons chili powder
1 Tablespoon garlic powder
1 package chili seasoning mix (I use McCormick's because it is gluten-free)
1 small can tomato paste
2 cans chili beans (with juice)
3 cups water
salt & pepper

Here's how to make it:

Brown ground beef in chili pot on medium heat. After browning, drain excess grease.  Add in chili powder and garlic powder.  Combine with meat.  Add in packet of chili seasoning.  Combine with meat.  Add salt and pepper to taste.
Add in tomato paste and combine with meat.  

Add 3 cups of water.  Add 2 cans of chili beans with juice.  Let simmer for about 20-30 minutes.  Add more water if it gets too thick.

Since I was having a crowd over for dinner, I doubled the recipe.  I put it all in my slow cooker to keep hot.

Here's my frito chili pie!  I love to top fritos with chili, cheese, and chopped onion.  Yum! Yum!

Here's one that is fully loaded with all kinds of toppings!  Wait!  Where's the chili?? Trust me, it's in there. Oh well, it tasted great!

Items for Chili Bar

• chopped green onions
• chopped white or red onion
• sliced black olives
• chopped tomatoes
• slice jalepenos
• sour cream
• shredded cheese
• hot sauces
• fritos
• french fries
• hot dogs
• mustard and ketchup for hot dogs

The Reality

And, here's the reality photo.  My friend smothered her hot dog and french fries in chili.  A smothered, delicious mess....

Another friend's chili creation....Keeping it simple!

Anyway you make it, its so good and perfect for a cold night or a get-together with family or friends.  

Here's a picture of me and the lady who taught me all about cooking...

Thanks for sharing your recipe mom.  

-Karen