Taco Bean Chili Mix (In-a-jar)

Jennifer S.

½ cup dried kidney beans
½ cup dried pinto beans
½ cup dried red beans
1 package (1 ¼ ounces) taco season mix
1 tbs dried, minced onion
½ tsp chili powder or chipotle chili powder
¼ tsp ground cumin
1 ½ cups tortilla chips

1.Layer beans in a 1-qt jar. Place taco season mix, onion, chili powder and cumin into a small zipper bag. Place season packet over beans. Add tortilla chips and close jar.
2.Cover top of jar with fabric; attach gift tag with ribbon.

Gift tag should say:

Taco Bean Chili Mix
You will need 1 pound ground beef or turkey browned and drained.
4 cups water
1 can (14 ½ ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 cup shredded cheese and 1/2 cup sour cream to complete this recipe.

1.Remove tortilla chips and season packet from jar, set aside.
2.Place beans in large saucepan, cover with 6 cups water. Bring to a boil for 5 minutes. Cover and turn off heat. Let soak, covered for 1 hour.
3.Drain and rinse beans. Add beans back to saucepan with 6 cups water. Bring to boil, turn heat down. Let simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Drain and rinse beans.
4.Place cooked beans, 4 cups water, tomatoes, tomato sauce, 1 pound ground meat and season packet into large soup pot. Bring to boil. Cover and reduce heat to a simmer for 20-30 minutes.
5.Crush tortilla chips and stir into chili, simmer for 5-10 minutes to thicken.
6.Top with shredded cheese and sour cream