Simple Texas Chili

Hot, spicy, steamy Texas Chili perfect for a very chilly day

3 tbsps. Olive Oil

1/2 yellow onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1-2 lbs. ground beef or beef tips

2 tomatoes, medium size - chopped

1 jalapeño, remove seeds and veins, chop

1 tbsp. tomato paste

2 chipotle chilis, chopped

2 tbsps chili powder

2 tsps. cumin powder

2 cups beef broth (or 1 cup broth, 1 cup dark beer)

2 cans of drained, rinsed pinto beans (because pinto beans are Texas)

Heat olive oil in dutch oven

Add the onions by themselves

and saute for about 3 minutes

Turn the heat down a little bit, then add the garlic and saute for one minute

Add the ground beef, chop into pieces and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes

Add the tomatoes, chipotle chilies, and the spices and stir

Stir in the tomato paste and the beef broth.  Don't you hate it when recipes ask for 1 tbsp. of tomato paste and you have to open a whole can and end up wondering what to do with the rest of it?  Well I don't know what to tell you what to do with the leftovers BUT I know what you can from now on.  Buy a tube of tomato paste and it will last for months in the refrigerator.  No waste, no leftovers.  I love it!

Stir in the beans

Stir completely until well blended, bring to a boil and then turn the heat down to low

Cover and simmer for an hour or two, stirring several times throughout.

Serve with cornbread or plain ol' dinner, buttery, delicious rolls

What better to eat on a crispy, chilly day?  Why Texas chili of course.  Simple because it really is easy to make, I used ground beef instead of beef tips.  Had all the spices in hand so I didn't have to run to the store.  Nothing else can keep you warm and cozy and boy did we ever need it today.  With the snowstorm that blew through the mid-Atlantic and northeast today, we barely missed the snow but we definitely got the bone chilling wind that bit like I've never felt before.  Being a college game fan, rootin' for the team out in the cold, cold windy day, eating some hot Texas Chili sure hit the spot!!

I joined Miz. Helen's Texas Star Chili Cook Off