2 pounds Ground Beef
1 cup chopped onion
1-2 cups water
1 large can whole tomatoes
2-3 small cans tomato sauce
1/2 cups chili powder
1-2 tsps cumin
1 Tbsp salt
1 tsp pepper
Tiny dash cayenne pepper
1 can Ranch style beans
Brown meat together with onion. When thoroughly cooked, drain meat in colander; rinse thoroughly with hot water to remove grease. Return mixture to large kettle; add water. Add whole tomatoes, cutting or squishing into bite sized pieces. Add tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, cayenne and pepper. Stir well. Last of all, add beans with juice. Adjust flavor. If too hot, add 1-2 tsps sugar. Not hot enough? Increase cayenne pepper.
This is a famous family recipe, which has been the choice for a host of church fundraisers, food booth fundraisers at our County Fair, and was chosen to be included in the "Treasure from the Melting Pot" Cookbook in 1997. The fact that it is simple to make is deceiving. How can it be that good? It is. People often tell me "This is the best chili I have ever tasted!"
