Lentils were one of the crops on my dad's farm when we were growing up, and they're the best-kept secret in this delicious chili recipe. This dish is great for a large family meal and also freezes well. Everyone who asks for this recipe is amazed at how simple it is. —

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) stewed tomatoes, chopped
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 ounce semisweet chocolate
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
• 2 cups water

Directions

1. In a Dutch oven, cook ground beef and onion over medium-high heat until beef is no longer pink, 6-8 minutes; crumble meat. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain. Add next 5 ingredients; bring to a boil. Add lentils and water. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until lentils are soft, about 1 hour, stirring often. Add water if mixture seems too dry.