Crock Pot Chili Con Carne With Beans
I just won "First Place" at a country fair with this recipe. The fresh tomatoes and chili peppers give it a fresh and pleasant taste.
I just won "First Place" at a country fair with this recipe. The fresh tomatoes and chili peppers give it a fresh and pleasant taste.
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 1/2 tablespoons paprika
- 12 ounces tomato paste
- 2 onions finely chopped
- 3 cloves
- 2 cans beef broth
- 4 lbs ground beef
- 1 lb bacon cut up in small chunks
- 4 cans canned kidney beans
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes (hunts has them spiced
- 4 ounces chili powder
- 4 ounces cayenne pepper (dry powder)
- 2 fresh tomatoes
- 2 jalapeno peppers or 2 serrano peppers
- Carbohydrate 7.09441853269426 g
- Cholesterol 64.2589190833333 mg
- Fat 20.9378914101134 g
- Fiber 2.69499641101435 g
- Protein 18.1606937566967 g
- Saturated Fat 7.48275177822299 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving(s) (208g)
- Sodium 388.593392659352 mg
- Sugar 4.39942212167991 g
- Trans Fat 2.74133427962639 g
- Calories 286 calories
Step-by-step
- Fry the bacon until it starts to brown, then put it into the crock pot.
- In the bacon drippings, brown the ground beef.
- Put the ground beef, beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, onions, chili powder, and cayenne into the crock pot with the beef broth.
- Cut the stems off the fresh jalapenos and cut them in two or three chunks.
- Place the peppers along with the garlic and whole fresh tomatoes into a food processor and puree the three ingredients.
- Put this into the crock pot, stir to mix and let it all cook for 10-12 hours on low or 5-6 hours on high.
- By making a puree out of the peppers and garlic, you get a more evenly dispersed blend.
- I used the tomatoes to give some moisture to the puree.
- Serrano chilies are three times hotter than jalapenos so don't let their small size fool you.
My Award-Winning Crock Pot Chili Con Carne
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and satisfying meals can feel like a Herculean task. Weekends are often crammed with errands, kids’ activities, and the ever-present mountain of laundry. So when I found a recipe that not only tasted amazing but was also incredibly easy to prepare using my trusty crock pot, I knew I had struck gold. This chili con carne recipe isn't just a meal; it's a time-saver, a stress reliever, and honestly, a source of quiet pride.
The secret to this chili’s success? It's the fresh ingredients. Forget those pre-packaged chili mixes; the fresh tomatoes and chili peppers add an unparalleled depth of flavor that you just can't replicate with anything else. The vibrant colors alone are a feast for the eyes, before you even get to the rich, savory taste. And the best part? The crock pot does almost all the work! Simply toss in the ingredients, set it, and forget it (almost!). While the chili simmers away, you can focus on other things – spending quality time with your family, tackling that never-ending to-do list, or simply relaxing with a cup of tea. The aroma wafting from the kitchen as the chili cooks is enough to lift your spirits, promising a comforting and delicious meal at the end of a long day.
My proudest moment with this recipe was undoubtedly winning first place at our local county fair. I wasn’t even expecting to enter, but a friend encouraged me, saying, “Your chili is too good to keep to yourself!” I was so surprised when they announced my name as the winner! The judges raved about the fresh, vibrant flavors and the perfect balance of heat and spice. It was an incredible feeling of accomplishment, knowing that my simple, yet flavorful creation had been recognized for its excellence.
This recipe is more than just a delicious chili; it's a testament to the power of simple ingredients, a little bit of creativity, and the magic of a slow cooker. It's a meal that brings people together, a celebration of flavor, and a symbol of my personal journey as a cook. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. I encourage you to tweak it and add your twist. Remember, cooking should be fun and adaptable. Let me know how yours turns out!
Beyond the Recipe: This chili's versatility is another reason I love it. It’s perfect for a cozy night in, a casual gathering with friends, or even a potluck. The leftovers are just as delicious the next day, and it freezes beautifully, making it a perfect meal-prep option. I often make a big batch on the weekend and have delicious chili ready for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
The aroma that fills your kitchen as the chili simmers is truly irresistible. It's a comforting and inviting scent, promising a warm and satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings or cozy nights in. It's a recipe that has become a staple in our home, a dish that my family always looks forward to.
Winning that first-place ribbon was more than just a personal victory; it was a validation of my cooking and a testament to the power of simple, homemade food. It reminded me that even the simplest recipes, made with love and care, can bring immense satisfaction and joy. It's a reminder to embrace the everyday moments in the kitchen, to find joy in the process of cooking, and to share the delicious results with those you love. The award-winning chili recipe is far more than just food; it represents love, care, and the simple pleasure of creating something delicious.
