Mean and Bean Chili

Several years ago, when The Daddy and I were just dating, my brother, B, introduced us to Mean and Bean Chili. It has taken on a life of it's own in our house. Saturday's cool fall weather, rainy skies, and football on TV made us long for our first bowl of chili of the season. Fresh local sweet corn and peppers from my garden and the garden of a friend made for a tasty welcome to fall.

Mean and Bean Chili

1 lb lean ground meat (either 97% lean beef or ground turkey works well)
1 pkg Chili-O seasoning mix
1 med onion, chopped
1 can light red kidney beans
1 can corn
1 28oz can diced tomatoes

Brown meat, onion, and Chili-O together in a large non-stick stock pot or Dutch oven. Then, add corn, beans, and tomatoes (liquid included). Simmer at least 20 minutes. Add salt, pepper, chili powder, cayenne pepper, apple cider vinegar, and sugar to taste. Serve with cheese and low fat sour cream.

I often add bell pepper, jalapenos, and fresh garlic to the meat and onion when I start cooking this chili. It's a great basic chili recipe that welcomes individual adaptations. It's also one of those recipes where you can easily double the seasoning and veggies while leaving the amount of meat the same. It freezes well, too.