Leftover Mashed Potato Chili Soup

If there are leftover mashed potatoes just lying around, add them to the next batch of chili that you make.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 cups leftover mashed potatoes
• 1/2 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 pinch pepper flakes
• 1 15 oz can chili beans
• 1 1/2 cup spicy vegetable juice
• 2 cups shredded colby jack cheese
• Sour cream

Directions:

Put mashed potatoes aside while cooking meat. In large sauce pan place 2 tablespoons canola oil add lean ground beef, red bell pepper and onion. Saute over medium high heat until onion has softened. Add mashed potatoes, tomatoes, cumin, red pepper flakes, chili beans and spicy vegetable juice to meat mixture. Over medium heat bring to boil and reduce heat to simmer. Cook about 45 minutes. Just before serving, remove from heat and add cheese. Allow cheese to get gooey. Serve with a dollop of sour cream as desired.

Number of Servings: 6-8

Notes from the Cook: 4 medium potatoes cooked and mashed will do it if you don't have leftover potatoes.