Amazing, Easy Beef Chili in the Slow Cooker

Yesterday was Super Bowl meal prep day. Of course you probably already know that it’s not about the game for this family–it’s about the game day food and the half-time show for us. And on this particular day, we had a very special musical event to watch that had nothing to do with Super Bowl halftime, but which, for us was a million times better. (Insert proud parent smiles here)

Nelson did his beef chili prep in the morning and got the meal going in the crock-pot to cook slowly to perfection while we were out. Then we were off to watch our eldest son participate in his first song circle.

A song what? That’s what we said when our son got the invite. We’d never heard of this until now either. Imagine a campfire with a bunch of people sitting in a circle around it, sharing songs–singing and playing guitars. Now picture the circle of people sitting in a quaint community coffee shop, and there’s no campfire.  Basically it goes like this: every person in the circle gets a chance to lead a song and can choose to go solo or invite others to join in with vocals or instruments for portions or all of the song. My guess is this is typical with folk music, but yesterday we heard folk, bluegrass, rock, country, and blues. I think we’re hooked after today.

Wow, what an experience for our son and for Nelson and I to see him enjoying his passion for playing the guitar, performing, sharing music, and learning from so many talented musicians. He really rocked it. With only 1 year of playing and taking lessons, he proved that he’s got a knack and real passion for this. It’s great to see kids enjoying the arts or other healthy activity like this. And yes, we are super proud parents (if that wasn’t clear yet).

We returned home to the incredible scent of almost ready beef chili.

Chili is probably the food I most connect with Super Bowl but since few of us at home are into beans, Nelson needs to find excuses like a sporting event (which by the way he’s not into) to make this type of meal. Of course, he can make whatever he wants to make, whenever he wants, but he doesn’t like making a big hearty meal like this just for him. This weekend he made an exception because he just couldn’t resist. And why not? He does all the cooking for us at home and makes sure we always eat well. If he wants chili, Super Bowl or not, he should have chili.

So, sing like nobody’s listening, or sing so everyone hears your passion for life. Treat yourself to something you love, and eat well, friends!

Amazing, Easy Beef Chili in the Slow Cooker

 

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Prep time

20 mins

Cook time

10 hours

Total time

10 hours 20 mins

 

This delicious beef chili in the slow cooker is so easy to make. For a cold day or gameday, this is sure to satisfy anyone looking for a hearty, delicious meal!

Author: Nelson Cardoso

Recipe type: Main

Cuisine: American

Serves: 8 to 12 servings

Ingredients

• 1 tbs olive oil
• 1½ lbs blade pot roast (or any other inexpensive cut of beef), cut in bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups red bell pepper, diced
• 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and diced (leave in some or all seeds for extra heat)
• ¾ cups carrots, medium dice
• ½ cup cilantro, chopped
• 28 oz (796 ml or two cans) San Marzano (or plum) peeled tomatoes
• 38 oz (1080 ml or two cans) red kidney beans, with liquid
• 19 oz (540 ml or one can) white kidney beans, no liquid
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbs chili powder
• 2 tsp Frank's hot sauce (or any other mild hot sauce)
• Optional: shredded cheddar cheese and cilantro to top each serving

Instructions

1. Put everything in a 6qt slow cooker or Crock-pot® (a 5 qt slow cooker will do as well).
2. Mix everything well.
3. Cover, set temperature to high and timer for one hour.
4. Set temperature to low and timer for nine hours.
5. Now... Enjoy the wonderful scent in the house and a large bowl of this delicious chili!
6. Were you expecting more instructions? Nope... that's it!

Notes

If you need this meal sooner, use the same ingredients plus ½ cup of beer. Place all the ingredients in a large pot and mix well. Bring to a slow boil on medium high and then lower to medium and let simmer for 3 hours, covered.

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