Mom's Crock Pot Chili

There are some recipes that just can’t help but make you think of fall, familiarity, and family.  This is the chili recipe that my family grew up eating.  I know now why it was such a hit – it’s a kid-pleaser (not too spicy), and it’s insanely easy.  The best part is, it can cook all day in the crock pot and be waiting happily for you eat it at dinner time!

We’ll be trying this today with soaked whole wheat biscuits…I’m not going to post that recipe just yet, because last time they didn’t turn out so well, and I want to make sure I actually like the recipe before I share it!  I think they will probably be a little easier to make here at sea-level instead of at 9000 ft. elevation.

I’ve added a few extra veggies to the original recipe to stretch it a little, plus I’ve added black beans instead of the traditional pinto.  If you’re not into canned tomatoes/sauce/beans, feel free to substitute fresher or more homemade options!  I tend to forget to have tomato sauce on hand and just puree a few tomatoes in the blender instead.  Also, if you’re trying to incorporate liver into your reluctant family’s diet, this is a great recipe to sneak it into!  The chili powder flavor is strong enough to mask any liver flavors you may be trying to hide.

Ingredients:
1 lb gr. beef
1 onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 ribs of celery, chopped
1 can diced tomatoes or 2 ripe tomatoes, chopped
1 15 oz can tomato sauce
2 15 oz cans black beans (or about 4 cups black beans)
1 Tbs chili powder
Salt & Pepper to taste

Directions:
Brown beef with chopped onion, pepper, and celery.  Place in crock pot with all other ingredients except beans, salt and pepper.  Cook on low 4 hours.  Add beans, and cook additional 30 minutes.  Season to taste.

Yes, that’s it.  Fantastically easy – it basically cooks itself!  Fantastic for a busy day, or an evening when company is coming for dinner.  We’re having this tonight with my visiting grandparents, mainly because it’s so easy that we can enjoy their company all evening instead of worrying about dinner being ready!

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