Ingredients

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, saute beef and onions together until beef is browned.
  2. Drain beef and add to a large soup pot (this step can be skipped if you wish to brown the beef in the soup pot).
  3. Add tomato juice and simmer over medium heat.
  4. Add tomatoes (with their juice), crushing between fingers to break apart.
  5. Add kidney beans, chili powder (the entire 4 tablespoons may be a bit much for some people, so start out small and add to taste), and optional hot sauce.
  6. After mixture comes to a simmer, add baking soda (the baking soda will help cut down the acidity of the tomatoes).
  7. Simmer for about 20-30 minutes, adding water if necessary to thin out the chili.
  8. Taste for seasoning.