Southwest Chili

This Southwest Chili is very versatile in many ways.  First, you can adjust the ingredients according to diet preferences.  Or, you can adjust the seasonings to your specific taste.  I listed alternative ingredients that you may use that will accommodate your needs.  Next, you can make a big batch and enjoy immediately, or you can freeze for later.  I normally do both:  keep one in the fridge for dinners and lunches, put one in the freezer for later.

Before you start - this is a "big batch" (that's what I call it) recipe.  You will need to use a large stock pot as this will be making several servings (appx 10 cups of cooked product).  This is also a long cooking recipe.  You will need to put aside approximately 4 hours. 

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 32 oz. carton of beef stock (can substitute a low sodium beef stock here)
• 2 14.5 oz. cans of diced tomatoes (can substitute low sodium diced tomatoes here)
• 1 14.5 can of corn
• 1 15 oz can of black beans
• 1 package of Chili seasoning
• 1/2 tbsp of Southwest Chipotle seasoning (I used Mrs. Dash)
• You can adjust more or less of this seasoning to your liking.  I felt that 1/2 tbsp gave me good flavoring and didn't over-power the dish
• 4 cups of water
• 1 tbsp of olive oil
• garlic powder, to your taste
• pepper, to your taste

Instructions:
Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil in the bottom of a large stock pot.  Add the ground beef, and brown meat over medium high heat.  Season the meat as it cooks with garlic powder and pepper.   Drain excess liquid as needed. 

Rinse corn and black beans in a colander.  Add rinsed corn and beans to the ground beef.  Continue to add both cans of diced tomatoes, Chili seasoning, Southwest Chipotle seasoning, and beef stock to the pot. 

Once all ingredients are added to the pot, add 4 cups of water. 

Bring to boil, and reduce to simmer.

Simmer for 2 - 4 hours.  Reduce chili to your desired consistency.  I normally reduce so I have a thicker consistency, so I will cook for about 3/4 hours.

Serve with tortilla chips, cheddar cheese and sour cream.

Enjoy!