Cheatin' Chili

One of my favorite things to make when it gets cold outside is Chili. However, as much as I love to cook, I hate to cook things that take a really long time, I just don't have the patience for it. Years ago, when I first realized I would have learn to make something other than grilled cheese, I started watching Rachel Ray (side note, now she drives me n-u-t-s, but at the time, it was a great place to start to learn how to cook). I was thrilled when one day she made a big ol pot of Chili in under 30 minutes and it quickly became my go-to recipe. These days, that recipe has evolved and changed into something completely different, but it still only takes about a half an hour to make and tastes like its been cooking all day!

Ingredients:
1lb lean ground beef
garlic, onions, peppers (whatever variation you want!)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2-3 cans of beans (again, what variety suits you)
Small can of tomato paste
Variety of spices to taste- chili powder, onion powder, paprika, red pepper
Fresh or canned diced tomatoes
1 bottle of beer

*for sweet chili: brown sugar and honey

1. saute ground beef until cooked through on med-high, remove from pan
2. Add a little EVOO to the pan, add garlic, onions and pepper, cook for 3-4 minutes
3. Add ground beef back in. Deglaze pan with half a bottle of beer. Turn down to a simmer.

4. Watch the other half of the bottle disappear.

5. Then hear husband say, "Seriously, dont put that on your blog." Giggle devilishly.

6. Open and drain beans. Dump in with meat and onions. Stir.
7. Add tomatoes. Stir it all up.
8. Add spices according to desired taste
9. Add honey and brown sugar for a sweet and spicy treat!
10. Simmer for a few more minutes to thicken
11. Serve with a little cheese and some bread. Enjoy!

*This freezes really well too which is an awesome surprise for when you don't feel like cooking :)