Frugal Chili Recipe

I am always on the lookout for frugal meal ideas.  I have found that any kind of soup or casserole is usually a winner, because I can make a big batch at one time and then freeze it.  So today I am going to share our families favorite chili recipe.  I call this frugal because the ingredients are pretty cheap and it makes enough for about 3 meals for my family.  We have 5 people in our house but two of them are what I like to call "half eaters".  So depending on your family size and how thick you want it, will depend on how many meals it makes.

Another way to be frugal:  STORE BRANDS!!!  

Frugal Mans Chili            Prep Time 15 minutes        Ready in 4 -6 hours

Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef
2 15.5 oz. cans dark red kidney beans
2 14.5 oz cans petite diced tomatos
1 15 oz. can tomato sauce
2-3 Tbs. chili powder
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped or 1 Tbs. onion flakes
1/2 medium sized green pepper, finely chopped (optional)
Salt and Pepper to taste
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional)
Sour Cream (optional)


In a large skillet brown the ground beef.  Once its no longer pink  add the onion or onion flakes and 1 Tbs. of chili powder. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.  Meanwhile add the dark red kidney beans, petite diced tomatoes and tomato sauce to a crock pot along with the diced green pepper.  Then add the ground beef to the crock pot and stir.  Add 1-2 cans of water depending on how thick you want it to be.  Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or until ready to eat.  Serve with shredded cheese and sour cream.  Don't forget the cornbread!


To freeze:
Once the chili is completely cooled, pour into a freezable container, or gallon freezer bag. Label and place in freezer!