Easy Slow Cooker Chili

With temperatures below zero, this slow-cooked chili is a warm welcome. This recipe is easy with minimal time devoted to preparation. Just throw in all the ingredients, grab a blanket and let the crock-pot do all the cooking. 

Ingredients (makes 4 servings)  

• 1/2 lb ground beef (can use any ground meat)
• 1 can corn
• 1 can beans (can use any kind, I used great northern beans)
• 1 can tomato sauce (~16 oz.)
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
• 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Optional additions

• 1 Bay leaf (remove when finished cooking)
• A couple slices turkey bacon
• A sprinkle hot chili powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if you want it spicy)

Directions

     1. Add all ingredients to slow cooker and mix

     2. Set on low and cook 3-4 hours

     3. Can serve with sour cream, shredded cheese and avocado slices

     4. Enjoy!

Note: I estimated the ingredient amounts so if you want to add more/less of one or even some extras like peppers that's ok. This can easily be made vegetarian by omitting the meat. Feel free to be creative with the seasoning.

Add all the ingredients together

Then mix and add the optional ingredients

Cook for 3-4 hours on low

Serve hot with sour cream and shredded cheese

Yum!