Chili

1 Lb Lean Ground Beef
1/2 C Chopped Green Bell Pepper
1/2 C Chopped Onion
4 Cloves Garlic, minced
1 (15 oz) Can Tomato Sauce
1 (15 oz) Can Red Kidney Beans, undrained
1 (14.5 oz) Can Diced Tomatoes, undrained
2 to 3 t Chili Powder
1/2 t Salt
1/2 t Dried Basil, crushed
1/4 t Ground Black Pepper
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional)
Chopped Onion (optional)
Dairy Sour Cream (optional)
Crushed Red Pepper (optional)

In a 3-quart saucepan cook and stir ground beef, green pepper, 1/2 C chopped onion, and the garlic over medium heat until meat is brown and onion is tender. Drain off fat.

Stir in tomato sauce, beans, tomatoes, chili powder, salt, basil and black pepper. Bring to a boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. To serve, ladle chili into bowls. If desired, top each serving with cheese, chopped onion, crushed red pepper and/or sour cream.

Yields: 4 Main-dish Servings