Taco Chili

I made this right before lunch, and at first I wasn't overly impressed with it. But I let it sit out all afternoon and the flavors melded beautifully. Served it for friends that night, and they loved it.

If you cook the meat in some water it will chunk up better, and not be so greasy.

   

    1 pound ground beef, browned and grease drained

    2 Tbsp Taco Seasoning (recipe follows)

    1 16 ounce can Bush's Black Beans

    1 16 ounce can Bush's Kidney Beans

    1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes

    1 container refrigerated Pico de Gallo (or Wholly Salsa)

    2 cups canned Whole Kernel Corn

    6 oz. V-8 juice*, or tomato juice

    1 cup Wholly Guacamole (I didn’t use this)

    Shredded cheddar cheese, optional (I used Mexican Three Cheese Blend)

    Baked tortilla strips or chips, optional

In a medium stockpot, brown ground beef and drain grease. Add taco seasoning and beans. Cook over medium heat until heated through, approximately 5 minutes.

   

Add Wholly Salsa and cooked Corn. Stir until well blended until heated through, approximately 5 minutes.

   

Remove from heat and ladle into bowls. Garnish with a generous tablespoon of Wholly Guacamole, shredded cheese and baked tortilla strips or chips.

*If using V-8 juice, add ½ tsp. sugar, as it will otherwise be too salty.

Taco Seasoning

    1 tablespoon chili powder

    1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

    1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

    1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

    1/2 teaspoon paprika

    1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

    1 teaspoon sea salt (Do not substitute table salt!)

    1 teaspoon black pepper

In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt and pepper. Store in an airtight container.

For Tacos: When you make your taco meat, use approximately 2 Tbs of seasoning per each pound of ground beef. Brown the beef; add a little flour and water to the pan, and stir in the seasoning. Bring to a boil, stirring continuously. Taco meat is ready once most of the liquid is absorbed.