This hearty chili is rich in flavor, but easy on the budget, with its use of the more economical choice of ground beef.

Rich and Meaty Chili

2 pounds ground beef
4 cups tomato juice
1 (29-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans
1 onion, chopped
1/2 cup diced celery
1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
1/4 cup chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1. Brown ground beef in a large skillet; drain.
2. In a kettle, combine the cooked ground beef, tomato juice, tomato sauce, kidney beans, chopped onion, diced celery, diced green bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, oregano, sugar, and cayenne pepper. Cover and simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring often.

Makes 16 servings.