Easy Crock-Pot Recipes - Crock-Pot Chili

Crock-pot cooking gets a bad rap sometimes. Some people call it lazy cooking. I call it efficient cooking. With most households having two working adults, it's imperative that all non-family time is managed wisely. Many crock-pot recipes take only 5 - 10 minutes to prep. It can be placed in the slow cooker before work and be done when you come back home. When you open the door, you'll smell the wonderful aroma of a home cooked meal wafting through your abode.

Chili recipes are perfect for the crock-pot. They normally cook in a pot, are easy to prep and smell delicious when cooking. The great thing about chili is how easily it can be changed and adapted to your taste. Here are a couple of my quick and easy to make crock-pot chili recipes.
Tex Mex Chili

What you need:

2 lbs round steak cut into bite-sized pieces
151/2 oz can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
41/2 oz can green chiles, drained and chopped
28 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 T chili powder
1 t cumin
2 T olive oil
1 t salt

What you do:

In a large skillet, brown meat in heated oil. Place meat in slow cooker. Add remaining ingredients to crock-pot and mix thoroughly. Cook, covered, for 8 hours on low.
Sausage and Beef Chili
What you need:

3/4 lb bulk spicy Italian sausage
3/4 lb ground beef
1 green pepper, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
16 oz dried red beans, rinsed and drained
1 (28 oz) and 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
15 oz can tomato sauce
6 oz can tomato paste
4 T chili powder
2 T ground cumin
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 t salt

What you do:

Brown beef and sausage in a large skillet, drain. In a 6 quart crock-pot/slow cooker, add all ingredients and mix. Cook, covered, for 8-10 hours on low, or until beans are tender but not mushy.
Both of these recipes are great served with sour cream, cheese and green onion on top. To add more heat, try some jalapenos or a couple shakes of hot sauce.