Chili Con Carne
by Vanessa
www.snackpicks.com

Prep Time: 10 minutes • Cook Time: 1 hour • Level: Easy

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
2 pounds chuck ground beef
3 (14.5 ounces) cans of chopped tomatoes, preferably fire roasted
2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 tablespoon ground cumin
salt and pepper to taste (1 use 2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper)
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 cans red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 box Cheez-It Original Crackers or your favorite flavor

In a small stockpot heat the olive oil.  Add the onions, red pepper, and garlic.  Saute until soft, about 7 minutes.  Add the ground beef and saute until browned, stirring frequently to break up clumps.

Pour in tomatoes,  paprika, oregano, brown sugar, cumin, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and chili powder. Cover and simmer for 40 minutes. 

Stir in the kidney beans and cook for another 15 minutes.  Serve with Cheez-It crackers. 

This recipe will keep in the refrigerator for 5 days.  It also freezes well.