Prep Time: 15 min.

Ingredients:

1 package (1 1/2 lbs.) Châtel Farms Ground Beef Lean and Hearty Cut.
1/4 cup carrots, small dice
1/4 cup celery, small dice
3/4 cup sweet onion, small dice
1/2 cup red pepper, small dice
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 bay leaves
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (14.5 oz) can kidney beans, drained
2 1/2 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
3 teaspoons chili powder
Sea Salt and Course Ground Black Pepper to taste

Method:

Heat the olive oil in a 3 quart heavy bottomed saucepan over medium high heat and add the carrots, celery, onion, red pepper, garlic and bay leaves. Sauté the mixture for several minutes until it is tender and then add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, beef broth and tomato paste to the saucepan and stir well. Bring the chili up to a simmer and then reduce the heat to medium low. Add the Châtel Farms Ground Beef Lean and Hearty Cut, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika and chili powder and stir well. Simmer over medium low heat for 30-35 minutes or until the meat is fully cooked and the chili has reached its desired thickness. Season the chili to taste with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the chili with fresh chopped cilantro, sour cream, chopped green onions or diced jalapenos for added heat.