Double-Duty Hearty Chili Without Beans
When its time to build my zesty chili, I combine everything the night before. In the morning, I load the slow cooker and let it do the work.
When its time to build my zesty chili, I combine everything the night before. In the morning, I load the slow cooker and let it do the work.
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 large green pepper chopped
- 2 teaspoons canola oil
- 3 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
- 2 cans (4 ounces each) chopped green chilies
- 1-1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
- 2 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce
- 2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) stewed tomatoes, undrained
- hot cooked rice or pasta
- optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese sour cream and sliced green onions
- Carbohydrate 6.25774117513225 g
- Cholesterol 176.9010243 mg
- Fat 29.5411382096044 g
- Fiber 2.01079485315669 g
- Protein 55.5643636890022 g
- Saturated Fat 11.2781408476582 g
- Serving Size 1 1 servings plus leftovers. (346g)
- Sodium 201.358601631768 mg
- Sugar 4.24694632197556 g
- Trans Fat 3.4984628834412 g
- Calories 524 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add green pepper, onion and garlic; cook and stir 3-4 minutes or until tender. Transfer to a 6-qt. slow cooker.
- In same skillet, add beef half at a time; cook over medium-high heat 6-8 minutes or until no longer pink, breaking into crumbles. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to slow cooker.
- Stir tomatoes, tomato sauce, chilies, parsley and seasonings into beef mixture. Cook, covered, on low 6-8 hours to allow flavors to blend.
- Reserve 5 cups chili for Double-Duty Layered Enchilada Casserole. Serve remaining chili with rice and toppings as desired.
- Freeze option: Freeze cooled chili in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally and adding a little water or broth if necessary.
My Double-Duty Hearty Chili: A Busy Woman's Best Friend
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between early mornings, long commutes, and endless to-do lists, finding time for anything beyond the bare essentials feels like a luxury. Dinner, however, is non-negotiable. It's the one time of day when my family gathers, connects, and replenishes after a busy day. That's why I’ve perfected recipes that are both delicious and incredibly efficient, and this Double-Duty Hearty Chili is a prime example. It’s a testament to the power of smart planning and the magic of the slow cooker.
The beauty of this chili lies in its simplicity and versatility. I prepare most of it the night before, a lifesaver when mornings are already chaotic. Chopping vegetables, measuring spices – it all gets done while I watch my favorite show, eliminating that stressful morning rush. Come morning, it's simply a matter of transferring everything to my trusty slow cooker, setting it to low, and letting it simmer throughout the day, filling our home with the comforting aroma of simmering spices and tender beef. The slow cooker becomes my sous chef, working quietly and efficiently to create a hearty, flavorful meal without demanding my constant attention.
This isn’t just any chili; it's a double-duty champion. It’s a complete meal on its own, perfect served with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and a scattering of fresh green onions. But the magic doesn't stop there. I often reserve a portion of this chili for my famous Double-Duty Layered Enchilada Casserole, a recipe I'll share another time (maybe it deserves its own blog post!). This chili is the foundation for multiple delicious meals, maximizing my time and minimizing my cooking workload.
But this recipe isn’t just about convenience; it's about creating lasting memories. The aroma alone fills our home with warmth, a tangible symbol of the love and effort I pour into my family's meals. My children, ages 8 and 10, often help me prep the ingredients, making it a family affair. These shared moments, as much as the delicious food itself, are the treasures I cherish. It's more than just a meal; it's a connection, a ritual that nourishes both body and soul. The time saved by using this simple recipe provides me more quality time with my family. And to me, that's priceless.
The ingredients are straightforward—lean ground beef, canned tomatoes, a blend of spices, and a few simple vegetables. No fancy ingredients are needed; just quality ingredients, skillfully combined. It's a testament to the belief that simple ingredients, when handled with care and attention, can create extraordinary results. The flavor is rich and complex, a delightful dance of savory beef, tangy tomatoes, and warm spices. It's the kind of chili that warms you from the inside out, both literally and metaphorically. It's the kind of chili that brings the family together, fosters connection, and fuels another busy week.
So, if you're a busy woman juggling work, family, and a million other things, try this recipe. It's not just a chili; it’s a lifeline. It's a time-saver, a flavor-booster, and a delicious way to nourish your loved ones without sacrificing your precious time. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, leaving you free to focus on what truly matters: the people you love and the memories you create together around the dinner table.
A Note on Freezing: Freezing portions of this chili is incredibly easy and a fantastic way to have a quick, comforting meal on hand. Simply allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and heat through gently on the stovetop.
Beyond the Recipe: This recipe is more than just a set of instructions; it's a philosophy. It's about prioritizing efficiency without sacrificing quality or flavor. It's about finding the balance between a busy life and nourishing your loved ones. And sometimes, it's just about enjoying the satisfying aroma of simmering chili, a comforting reminder that even amidst the chaos, there's always time for delicious food and cherished moments.
