Chili Mix and chili recipe

Cutting back on processed food and trying to save money by making foods from scratch as much as possible.

Chili Mix (make ahead or when you are ready to cook)
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
3 Tbsp. chili powder (we use a hot chili powder for extra heat)
2 Tbsp. garlic powder
2 Tbsp. onion powder
1 Tbsp. paprika
3 Tbsp. cumin
1 tsp. oregano
1/4 tsp. cayenne (optional - I add towards the end of cooking as it is very hot)
**Mix and place off to the side, or put in a sealed container for future use

**To make my chili - in a large pot over medium heat add
2 pounds ground meat of choice (we do beef)
**brown and drain grease
1 large onion diced
1 large pepper diced
**add to the pot, cover, and cook 5-10 minutes to soften vegetables
30 ounces diced tomatoes (for me that is 2 small cans or 1 large can)
Chili mix (those spices you made earlier)
1 pint or more tomato sauce
1-2 Tbsp. brown sugar (optional-I usually do not need to add any sugar)
**stir
2-3 small cans of beans of choice (optional- we like beans so we add any kind we have on hand)
**drain and rinse beans if adding any
**Lower heat to medium - low and cook for at least one hour, stir frequently. At about the 30 minute mark I taste and adjust any seasonings by adding cayenne or hot peppers and brown sugar if needed

After it is cooked through keep on warm, stir occasionally and enjoy!
We love to put this in a crockpot during the fall sports season. Then everyone can eat when they are hungry.
We top with cheddar cheese and serve with crackers or cornbread