Mighty Matt's Kick-Butt Chili

Ground beef, a tomato base, pinto beans, and a variety of spices are combined to make a fiery hot chili that is perfect for a cold winter's day. The key to the heat is in the cayenne pepper so adjust to your individual taste. Double the recipe to make a crowd pleasing addition to your next football watching party. Serve with some shredded Cheddar cheese and fresh chopped onion, if desired.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 30 mins
• Total Time: 2 hr
• Calories: 406 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 ½ cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• ⅓ cup chili powder
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons dried Mexican oregano
• 3 (15 ounce) cans pinto beans, drained

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over high heat. Stir in the onion and garlic; cook and stir just until you start to smell the garlic, 2-3 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring frequently, until crumbly and no longer pink, about 5 minutes.

Step 2

Remove from heat and stir in the tomato sauce, tomatoes, and water. Season with the chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, oregano, cayenne, and sugar. Place the mixture over medium heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for about 1 hour.

Step 3

Remove the cover and stir in the beans. Replace the cover and continue cooking until fully heated through, about 15 minutes.