Stew Turned into Chili

Name: Stew Turned into Chili
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 45 min
Total time: 2 h 5 min
Yield: 4 batches of stew (16 cups total).
Ingredients: 5 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 3/4-inch cubes; 5 garlic cloves, minced; 3 tablespoons canola oil; 4 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes with green peppers and onions, undrained; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon pepper; 2 cans (16 ounces each) kidney beans, rinsed and drained; 2 cans (15-1/2 ounces each) great northern beans, rinsed and drained; ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS: (for each batch of chili):; 1 jar (16 ounces) picante sauce; 1 to 2 teaspoons chili powder; Sour cream and chopped green onions, optional

A big pot of this versatile blend from Don Trumbly of Paola, Kansas can be enjoyed two ways. As is, it's a satisfying stew brimming with tender chunks of beef, tomato and two kinds of beans. Or add picante sauce and chili powder to create a zippy chili.

Ingredients

5 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
5 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons canola oil
4 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes with green peppers and onions, undrained
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
2 cans (16 ounces each) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
2 cans (15-1/2 ounces each) great northern beans, rinsed and drained
ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS: (for each batch of chili):
1 jar (16 ounces) picante sauce
1 to 2 teaspoons chili powder
Sour cream and chopped green onions, optional

Directions

In a Dutch oven or large soup kettle, brown beef and garlic in oil until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add tomatoes, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1-1/4 hours.
Stir in the beans. Cover and simmer 30-45 minutes longer or until meat is tender. Serve immediately, or cool slightly and freeze in 4-cup portions. May be frozen for up to 3 months.
To use each batch of chili Stir picante sauce and chili powder into the meat mixture. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook until heated through, stirring occasionally. Serve with sour cream and green onions if desired.