If you need an easy chili recipe, you are home! As I write this, the fall weather is in full effect here in Michigan. We’re all looking for those Easy Slow Cooker Family Meal Prep Ideas.
For us, weather like this calls for easy meal prep and that means a hot pot of chili about once a week. It’s a requirement we all enjoy (the kiddos, too).
This is one of those recipes I can throw together while multi-tasking with homework and getting the lunch boxes ready or the best is in the slow cooker for later. This chili is ridiculously easy and hearty and a crowd-pleaser.
As a sneaky variation, I add some extra veggies to mine if I have them on hand. Chopped up small enough or in puree form they have no idea that it is there and it adds some extra vitamins, fiber and all the good stuff. Another tip, I pick up the organic versions at Aldi to amp up the wholesomeness without breaking the budget.
Ridiculously Easy Chili Recipe
Ingredients:
One pound ground beef, browned
One onion, diced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 Large (or two small) green bell peppers, diced
One-15 ounce can of petite diced tomatoes, drained
One-15 ounces can of crushed tomatoes, drained (pureed or sauce work, too)
One-15 ounces can of light kidney beans, drained and rinsed
One cup of kale, finely chopped (food processor), optional
One cup of spinach, finely chopped (food processor), optional
½ can of Libby’s pumpkin puree, optional
1 tablespoon chili powder
½ teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a frying pan, brown the ground beef on medium-high heat with the onions and peppers for about 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for about 3 minutes more. (If you are adding the veggies, add them here and cook 3-5 minutes more).
Add the cans of tomatoes and beans, and the spices. Simmer for another 15 minutes. Serve hot.
Serving Suggestions:
At our house, some add corn or tortilla chips, shredded cheddar cheese, and/or a dollop of sour cream. If I’m feeling like spoiling them a little extra, I make cornbread (the sweet kind that is essentially like cake, like the Jiffy mix, which also comes from the great state of Michigan! Yumz!).
Conversation:
Do you love chili at your house? Would you add this to your list of Easy Slow Cooker Family Meal Prep Ideas? Any variations on the recipe that you would like to share?
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