BEEF AND LENTIL CHILI

Beef and Lentil Chili image

Lentils were one of the crops on my dad's farm when we were growing up, and they're the best-kept secret in this delicious chili recipe. This dish is great for a large family meal and also freezes well. Everyone who asks for this recipe is amazed at how simple it is. -Cindy Agee, Lewiston, Idaho

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h20m

Yield 2-1/2 quarts.

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) stewed tomatoes, chopped
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 ounce semisweet chocolate
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
2 cups water

Steps:

In a Dutch oven, cook ground beef and onion, crumbling meat, over medium-high heat until beef is no longer pink, 6-8 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain. Add next 5 ingredients; bring to a boil. Add lentils and water. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until lentils are soft, about 1 hour, stirring often. Add water if mixture seems too dry.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 367 calories, Fat 16g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 70mg cholesterol, Sodium 655mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 29g protein.