Beef, Chicken or Turkey Chili

Ingredients:
2 pounds ground beef, chicken or turkey
1 large onion, chopped
1-2 celery ribs, chopped in tiny pieces (optional)
1-2 carrots, chopped in tiny pieces (optional)
1/2 bell pepper, chopped in tiny pieces (optional)
2-4 garlic cloves, chopped
2 Tbs (or more) chili powder
1 Tbs cumin
1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 or 2 15 ounce can(s) of beans (kidney, pinto, red or black), drained
Hot sauce (optional)

Equipment:
large pot
sharp knife
spoon

Procedure:

1. cook the meat in the pot on medium-high heat until it's brown
2. drain the fat from the pot (pour it off into a mug or empty metal can, throw it out later after it has cooled and solidified)
3. add the onion, garlic, celery and carrot (if using) to the pot and cook about 5 minutes until softened
4. add the chili powder and cumin and stir for about a minute
5. add the tomatoes, beans and hot sauce (if using)
6. let it come to a boil, stirring occasionally
7. once it boils, turn the heat down to low and let simmer (slightly bubbling) for 1-3 hours, stirring occasionally
   

Serve with rice and grated cheddar cheese

Makes 8 servings