Cheap Easy Chili

Here is a chance for some more savings. I love the convenience of canned and frozen products, but sometimes the cost and taste both leave something to be desired. Here is a chili recipe that's easy to make, doesn't take much longer than the canned variety, and doesn't use anything expensive or extravagant. Another Peg Bracken inspired gem.

Cheap Easy Chili

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
1 14.5 - 16 oz can kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans, or two cups of leftover cooked dried beans
1 tablespoon chili powder (or more to taste)
1 teaspoon sugar (remember the tomato trick)
1/2 - 1 teaspoon salt
1 or dashes cayenne pepper (depending on how hot you like it)

Brown hamburger and chopped onion in a pan with a heavy bottom. add garlic and drain off fat

Add all remaining ingredients, bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes or until as thick as you like.

This recipe can be doubled or tripled easily and freezes well.