Hungry Momma Chili

  Chili was always a staple at our house growing up.  My Grandma Branham could make a mean chili, as could my mom. I had to share with you our quirky way of eating it because every family has their own certain way.  My Uncle ALWAYS had to have a peanut butter sandwich with his; but at our house we had to have Sweet Pickles!  OH Man!  The hot & spicy with the kick of sweet on the side - DELICIOUS!!! *insert  a sing song voice here!
I will post the BEST sweet pickle I have ever put in my mouth here soon. (look for "Aunt Viki's Sweet Pickles)
I also always make up a sweet cornbread to eat with my chili!  Its all broken up under there. Grandma didn't make cornbread all the time. Sometimes she would just butter saltines and the simplicity of that was also yummy.
When it came to the Cheese, Grandma would always slice spears of cheddar.  I remember dunking them like this as a kid to make them melt!   We typically just use the grated cheese now. I hope this warms your tummy and heart when you eat it!  ENJOY!
*Crock Pot notes are at the bottom of this post.

Start with 2 lbs of 85/15 ground sirloin.  (buy good meat - it makes every thing better!)  I also buy the 85/15 for the flavor.  We will drain it later!

Add salt and pepper all over the top.
Add 1tsp of Cumin & 1 tsp Garlic powder

 Add 1 diced onion and begin to brown.

Continually work your meat - no one wants a huge chunk of hamburger in their mouth!  Chop it up baby!

 After your meat is going good add in 1 chopped bell pepper.
(I love that Vidalia Onion Chopper *as seen on TV) That thing cuts everything the same and perfect size - I highly recommend that kitchen gadget.  

 Now - Drain off the excess grease once it is completely browned. 

 Sometimes I am brand loyal and then again sometimes I am not.  This is one of those instances where I am always disappointed if I don't use either - Williams Original Chili Seasoning OR Chili 3000 from Penzy's Spices.  ( I just discovered chili 3000 and it is amazing!) But in keeping with the way momma and Grandma did this - we will go with Williams on this Chili Recipe - (I make about 4 different kinds - we like chili around here!)

 Pour in Seasoning Packet!

 Stir it into your meat well before adding everything else!

 Add in:
1 Can of Rotel or Tomatoes with Green Chili's

1 Can of Dark Red Kidney's rinsed and drained.

 1 Can of Pinto Beans.

 2 small cans of Tomato Sauce

 1 Bay Leaf

 2 Cans of Stewed Chili Tomatoes  (the can just says "ready for chili")

 The lower and slower you cook this the yummier.  It gets better with time, so leftovers are always great the next day! I try to let this simmer for at least 2 hours, just to let all these flavors get all happy together!

You can put this in a crock pot! Once you have fried up your meat, you could transfer it to a slow cooker and add all the rest of the ingredients. Just let it go all day on low and when you come home all that is left to do is make some cornbread! (Or butter those Saltines)! :)