WHERE'S THE BEEF?

I call it Vegetable Beef Chili because it has vegetables and ground beef. Most chili with lots of vegetables are vegetarian, but I can't go without the beef!

VEGETABLE BEEF CHILI

1 lb ground beef (85% lean for more flavor)

2 cans chili beans in sauce

1 can diced tomatoes

1 yellow onion, roughly chopped

1 c sliced celery

½ cup green pepper, diced

1 large carrot, diced

½ c frozen corn

2 Tbsp tomato paste

2 Tbsp chili powder

½ tsp salt

black pepper to taste

½ - 1 C water

Salt and pepper ground beef. Brown in a 4 qt (or larger) soup pot. Drain grease. Add chili beans in sauce, tomatoes, chopped onion, celery, carrots, green pepper, corn, chili powder and tomato paste. Add a little water, to the consistency you like. Simmer on low for 30 minutes or longer for the flavors to develop.

To serve, top with shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, and a dab of sour cream.