National Chili Day 2020: How To Make Chili In A Slow Cooker In 4 Easy Steps [Recipe]

What better time to enjoy a nice warm bowl of chili than on National Chili Day 2020? This year, the event will be marked on Thursday, Feb. 27. For those looking to celebrate the occasion with a homemade dish, below is a simple, four-step recipe for making chili in a slow cooker.

The following is a combination of a recipe courtesy of Betty Crocker and some of my own personal findings. This recipe should result in at least four adult-sized portions.

Ingredients:

Chili is an easy meal to make your own. Feel free to substitute any of the below ingredients for another item you prefer. For example, ground beef could be substituted with ground turkey. Not a fan of kidney beans? Try black beans, pinto beans, or none at all. Additional vegetables would also be a tasty addition to this recipe.

• 2 lbs. of ground beef (85% lean or higher)
• 1 white onion (finely chopped-- learn how to do it here.)
• 2 minced garlic cloves OR 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
• 1 28-ounce can of petite diced tomatoes
• 2 16-ounce cans of kidney beans in mild chili sauce, undrained
• 1 15-ounce can of plain tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons of chili powder
• 1.5 teaspoons of ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ½ teaspoon of pepper
• 1 tablespoon of cooking oil

Tools:

• 4-5 quart slow cooker or Crock-Pot
• Measuring spoons
• Can opener
• Chef Knife
• Cutting Board
• Medium-sized skillet
• Mixing spoon

Recipe:

1. In a medium-sized skillet, pour in your cooking oil and set the stove top to a medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, put in your chop meat and allow it to cook. Once the meat is browned and cooked through, drain the excess fat and put the meat into the slow cooker. (Those needing a guide on how to brown chop meat should watch this tutorial.)

Optional step: The chopped onion will cook in the Crock-Pot, but if you prefer to simmer it with the chop meat first, feel free to add them into the pan after draining the excess fat. If you are doing this step, cook the onions until they are translucent.

2. After adding the cooked meat into the slow cooker, add in all of the remaining ingredients listed above into the pot. Stir until all of the ingredients are evently distributed.

3. Set the slower cooker to cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 6 hours, depending on your time available. Mid-cooking, it is advised to stir the ingredients for the best results.

4. When your chili is done cooking, serve it in a deep bowl with your desired toppings. We suggest shredded cheddar cheese and saltine crackers. Store leftovers in a refrigerator in an airtight container.

Happy National Chili Day!