The Soup Diva

• 1 ¼ – 1 ½ lbs ground beef
• 1 large sweet onion, chopped fine
• 2-3 cloves minced garlic
• 2 cans tomato sauce (or 1 large can crushed tomatoes)
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 can black beans (can drain/rinse if desired)
• 1 can water
• 2 tbsp molasses
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• salt and black pepper to taste
• Cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste (optional)

Brown the ground beef in a large [iron, if available] skillet. Spoon beef into large slow cooker (in order to retain a small amount of grease), and add all other ingredients. Cook 3 hours on high or all day on low (switch to warm before serving). Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and corn chips if desired (my in-laws love to spoon chili over baked cheese grits!)