Chipotle Chili with Hominy and Beans

1. Lightly coat an unheated large saucepan with nonstick cooking spray. Preheat over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion; cook until browned. If necessary, drain off fat. Stir in cumin and oregano; cook for 1 minute more. Add chipotle peppers, undrained tomatoes, red beans, hominy, sweet pepper, and the water. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Divide among six pint freezer containers. Cover and freeze for up to 1 month.

2. For each serving, pack a container of frozen chili in an insulated lunch box along with a microwave-safe serving bowl. If desired, for each serving, pack 1 tablespoon of the shredded cheese in a resealable plastic bag and place in lunch box. Serve within 5 hours.

3. To serve, pour chili into bowl, breaking it up if still partially frozen. Microwave, covered, on 70 percent power (medium-high) for 4 to 5 minutes or until heated through, stirring once. If using cheese, sprinkle over chili before serving. Makes 6 (1 1/4-cup) servings.

Test Kitchen Tip
Because chile peppers contain volatile oils that can burn your skin and eyes, avoid direct contact with them as much as possible. When working with chile peppers, wear plastic or rubber gloves. If your bare hands do touch the peppers, wash your hands and nails well with soap and warm water.