Over the years I have made a lot of Chili.  It started many years ago with my mothers recipe and slowly transformed into my own.  It's basically the same as mom made but I've develop some simple techniques for making it my own.  My kids love it, at least that is what they say, and it goes fast.

 

The secret to great chili is time.  I have found that the best chili cooks slow and long.  Figure four to six hours minimum up to about 8 hours.  How much of each ingredient you use is based on how much chili you want to make but this will get you started.  This may serve 3 to 5 people.

 

Crock Pots are NOT to be used.  Find a big thick heavy pot.  Cast Iron is great but any really heavy pot will work just fine.  Heat the pot so it's good and hot and now throw in your chili meat (hamburger), onions and chili powder.  Add some black pepper and salt also.  Cook this mix until the chili meat is cooked.  Now drain your mix but not two well.  The grease from the meat contains lots of flavors that add to the chili.

 

Now pour in your tomato juice and beans.  Don't forget to drain and wash the beans before adding to the chili.  I use juice because my kids don't like the tomato chunks even though they are pretty much gone by the time the cooking is done.  Add some more chili powder and black pepper to taste.  Remember that the flavors will be fairly boring at this point so don't overdo it, the flavors will build as the chili cooks.  After you make it a few times you will get it figured out.

 

Let this cook with the lid on for several hours.  If you are using a gas stove you may barely see the flames.  I suggest not using an electric stove if you have a choice.  Often times it gets to hot so I slide the lid over so it doesn't fit tight.  This slows down the cooking.

 

Add more chili powder and salt as needed but not to fast and not to close to the end of cooking.  You need to give the spices time to blend with the chili to get all the flavors.

 

My Favorite Touch:  Now if you would like to step it up a notch, put some Frito's in your bowl with a little cheese on top, pour in some chili and add more cheese on top of the chili.

 

Another Option:  Reduce the meat a little and add more tomato juice.  Make is really juicy.  All the flavors will build into the juice.  It's not quite as heavy to eat and has tons of flavors.