Are you craving a hearty, flavorful meal that's also incredibly easy to make? Look no further! This chili recipe, utilizing the robust flavors of McCormick spices, is a perfect solution for busy weeknights. Made in a slow cooker, it requires minimal hands-on time and delivers a delicious, satisfying dinner the whole family will love. This recipe is perfect for those seeking healthy meals, quick dinner ideas, and delicious dishes without sacrificing flavor. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp McCormick Chili Powder
- 1 tbsp McCormick Cumin
- 1 tsp McCormick Oregano
- 1 tsp McCormick Paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, cilantro
Instructions:
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step enhances the overall flavor of your chili.
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Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
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Combine Ingredients in Crock Pot: Transfer the beef mixture to your slow cooker. Add the chopped green bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, pinto beans, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
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Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chili has thickened and the flavors have melded beautifully. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become.
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Serve & Enjoy: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, or fresh cilantro. This hearty chili is perfect served with cornbread or crusty bread for dipping.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chili:
- Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of chili powder to your preference. For a spicier chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Add Some Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced carrots, zucchini, or corn for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Make it a Vegetarian Chili: Replace the ground beef with 1 (15 ounce) can of vegetarian chili beans for a delicious meatless version.
- Thicken It Up: If your chili is too thin after cooking, you can simmer it uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water to thicken it.
Variations:
- White Chicken Chili: Substitute ground chicken for the beef and add a can of white beans. Reduce or eliminate the chili powder and add some diced green chilies for a different flavor profile.
- Beef and Bean Chili: Skip the ground meat and increase the amount of beans for a hearty vegetarian option packed with protein.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the ingredients used. For a general estimate using ground beef: Calories: Approximately 350-400, Protein: 25-30g, Fat: 15-20g, Carbohydrates: 30-40g. This is just an estimate; using a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients will provide a more accurate value.
This easy crock pot chili recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and provides a comforting, flavorful meal that's easy on the budget and big on taste. Enjoy!