Cindy's Chili Concoction
Family favorite since 1980.
1-2 pounds ground beef
1 medium onion diced
2 garlic cloves minced
2 teaspoons-3 Tablespoons chili powder
1-1/2 to 2 quarts liquid: 46 oz. tomato juice & 1 pint water OR tomato paste, sauce and water
1 Tablespoon packed brown sugar OR 1 teaspoon baking soda or vinegar
1 teaspoon oregano leaves
1 bay leaf
Optional: 1 teaspoon chilies, 1 medim green pepper, diced; 1 can cream of mushroom or celery, 1 stalk celery, diced; 4 oz. mushrooms, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, parsley flakes, 7 oz. can green chilies, chopped; cooked potatoes, diced; 15-32 oz. red kidney beans.
Brown meat, onion (green pepper), garlic (about 15 minutes). Add chili powder, cook 1 minute. Stir in remaining ingredients except kidney beans. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 45 minutes, minimum or up to 2-1/2 hours on stove or 4-6 hours in a slow cooker. Stir in kidney beans and heat thourghly (about 20 minutes) before serving.