Two Bean Chili con Carne

Ingredients

• 1 lb extra lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 large bell pepper, diced
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cans diced tomatoes with juice, no salt added
• 8 oz tomato sauce, no salt added
• 15 oz black beans, drained
• 15 oz pinto beans, drained
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tsps ground oregano
• 2 tbsps chili powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Directions

1. In a large sauce pan, heat oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add beef, 1 tablespoon of chili powder, and cayenne. Cook, stirring to break up meat, about 5 minutes, or until browned. Using a slotted spoon, transfer meat to a plate.
3. Add bell pepper, onion, garlic, oregano, and remaining 1 tablespoon of chili powder to the same saucepan; cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until onion begins to soften, about 3 minutes.
4. Stir in tomato paste, then add diced tomatoes and their juices, black beans, pintos, and tomato sauce.
5. Cook and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Uncover, add cooked beef, and cook over medium heat until chili thickens, about 5 minutes. Serve warm.
7. Note: you'll love it with a dollop of light sour cream and fat-free cheese!