Whistle Stop Chili

Ingredients

• 1 cup chopped onion
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1 1/4 lbs lean ground chuck
• 14 1/2 ounces beef broth
• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 10 ounces Rotel tomatoes & chilies, drained
• 1/4 cup uncooked old fashioned oats
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 cup chili powder
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 30 ounces canned pinto beans, drained
• saltine cracker (optional)
• grated cheese (optional)
• hot pepper sauce (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   In a large deep saucepan, saute onions and garlic in oil. Add the beef and stir until well browned, breaking up any lumps.

2. 2

   Drain any excess fat.

3. 3

   Stir in the remaining ingredients, except beans, crackers, and cheese.

4. 4

   When mixture comes to a boil, cover pan, lower heat and simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. 5

   Add the beans and cook for another 15 minutes or until beans are hot.

6. 6

   Serve chili hot with crackers and garnished with shredded cheese, and hot sauce if you like spicier.