Easy Family Meals Award Winning Slow Cooker Chili

Welcome to a world of flavor with our Easy Family Meals Award Winning Slow Cooker Chili! This recipe has been a favorite for two years in a row, and it’s easy to see why. With a perfect blend of spices and hearty ingredients, this chili will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal on a chilly day or a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering, this chili is a winner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chili is not just delicious, it’s also incredibly easy to make. With the convenience of a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, letting all the flavors meld together while you go about your day. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that can be tailored to your heat preference with mild, medium, or hot salsa and the optional addition of jalapenos.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Slow cooker or large Dutch oven
• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Wooden spoon

Ingredients

• 1 lb pork sausage
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cans of chili beans
• 1 can of kidney beans
• 1 15 ounce jar of salsa (mild, medium, or hot- your choice!)
• 1 12 ounce jar of chili sauce
• 1 can of Rotel diced tomatoes with chilis
• 1 medium onion, diced small
• 1 green pepper, diced small
• 1 tbsp minced fresh garlic
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp chili powder
• 2 tbsp cumin
• 1 tbsp seasoned salt
• 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp tabasco sauce
• 1 package of your favorite brand of taco seasoning
• ⅛ cup chopped fresh jalapenos (optional)

Instructions

1. Saute diced onions and green pepper in olive oil over medium heat until soft. Add minced garlic and saute for another 30 seconds. Add to crock pot or large dutch oven on stove top.
2. Brown pork and ground beef separately. Adding too much meat to the pan at once will cause the meat to steam, rather than brown. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add all meat to the crock pot or dutch oven.
3. Add remainder of ingredients to the crock pot or dutch oven. Adjust seasonings to taste. Chopped jalapenos can be added for more heat (but be careful, this is spicy as is!)
4. Cook in a crock pot for a minimum of 2 hours on high, or simmer in a dutch oven on the stove top for 1 hour.
5. Serve with your favorite toppings. Here are some suggestions: shredded cheddar cheese, chopped scallions, sour cream, crumbled bacon, Frito’s corn chips, fresh parsley, chopped fresh tomatoes, and more chopped fresh jalapenos.

Tips for Success

• For the best flavor, make sure to brown the meat well before adding it to the slow cooker.
• If you prefer a thicker chili, let it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate.

Additional Tips or Variations

Consider adding a dollop of sour cream on top when serving to cool things down. You can also try different types of beans or add corn for a bit of sweetness.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Serving size: 8 Persons

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this chili on the stove instead of a slow cooker? Yes, you can simmer it in a Dutch oven on the stove top for about an hour.

Can I freeze leftovers? Absolutely! This chili freezes well. Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy making and eating this award-winning slow cooker chili as much as we do. It’s a comfort food classic that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t forget to share your experience and any creative variations you try in the comments below. Happy cooking!