Black Bean Chili with Rice

Makes 4 servings.

Ingredients

 * 1/2 pound lean ground Beef
 * 1 1/3 cups cooked black beans
 * 1/2 cup diced green pepper
 * 1/2 cup chopped Onion
 * 1/2 cup diced carrots
 * 2 teaspoons chili powder
 * 1 clove garlic, minced
 * 1 bay leaf
 * 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
 * 1 1/2 cups vegetable juice or tomato juice
 * 1 1/3 cups hot cooked rice

Directions

 * 1) Cook beef in 2- to 3-quart saucepan over medium heat, stirring to crumble.
 * 2) Add beans, green pepper, onion, carrots, chili powder, garlic, bay leaf, red pepper and vegetable juice.
 * 3) Bring to a boil; simmer, uncovered, 20 to 25 minutes.
 * 4) Remove bay leaf. Serve over hot rice.