Happy Halloween!

 

Since I’ll be busy all day, dressing only slightly less frighteningly than my standard get-up, dipping my hand repeatedly into a plastic pumpkin filled with Reese’s, Butterfingers, and Kit Kats, and singing Thriller at decibel only dogs can hear, I thought I’d leave you with a meal that requires very little effort and almost no hands-on time: Slow Cooked Beef Chili.

After all, it’s what I’ll be celebrating Halloween with, other than a sugar coma.

It’s a gem for a crisp fall day, a bowlful to warm you from the inside out. It’s the kind of meal that makes you consider the slow cooker among your most beloved possessions, after your Chi hair straightener. Beef that is slowly simmered for hours on end, winds up so unbearably tender that it flakes with the nudge of a fork. A coupling of crushed and diced tomatoes gives the whole pot a thick, welcomed chunkiness. And the blend of brown sugar, cumin, chili powder, and paprika lends a smoky-sweet depth of spice. All at once rich and robust. I find the balance of flavors to be uniquely satisfying, perhaps more than most meals.

And what is chili but a vehicle for toppings? I’ve added shredded extra sharp cheddar, scallion confetti, and a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy!

 

Slow Cooked Beef Chili

Gather your A-team.

In the base of your slow cooker, add chopped veggies (any you have on hand will work), chunks of beef, and a can of kidney beans.

 

 

In a medium bowl, stir together crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, cumin, paprika, chili powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Pour over your beef, beans, and veggies.

 

Stir to mix everything together. Cook on low for 8 hours (or high for 4-6 hrs if you’d like). Top your chili with shredded cheese, chopped scallions, and sour cream.

 

Slow Cooked Beef Chili

Serves 4

28 ounce can crushed tomatoes

14 ounce can diced tomatoes

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 tablespoon ground cumin

2 teaspoons smoked paprika

1 tablespoon brown sugar

½ teaspoon salt

3 carrots, coarsely chopped

4 stalks celery, coarsely chopped

1 medium onion, coarsely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound beef chuck, trimmed and cut into 1″ pieces

15 ounce can kidney beans

 

Place the carrots, celery, onions, garlic, beef, and kidney beans into the base of a slow cooker.

In a medium bowl, stir together the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, paprika, brown sugar, and salt.

Pour the tomato sauce mixture evenly over the top of the beef and vegetables. Cover and cook on high for 6 hours, or low for 8 hours.

Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary- adding a dash or two of cayenne pepper if you’d prefer more spice.

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18 thoughts on “Happy Halloween!

  1. biz319

    You know I’ve never made chili in a crockpot – only a dutch oven – love how yours looks – just set it and forget it! :D

    Happy Halloween!

    Reply
  2. vamptriana4evr

    I will have to try this. I love making chili but I normally use ground beef. I think I would like this much better! I love your amazing recipes. They all look so good and wholesome. No more powdered chili seasonings for me!

    Reply
  3. Cindy

    I think my husband and son just rang your doorbell.

    I made chili too…only it was with tofu. they….liked the taste but were whining about the missing beef.

    HEY, can you send them back with a reeses please???

    Thanks.

    Happy Halloween!

    Reply
  4. Sally

    I made this the other day. Best chili ever! Thank you. It was easy to put together, and dinner was a non-issue the rest of the day. My husband even ate two bowls.

    Reply
  5. Pingback: Slow cooker Pulled Pork | Clever in the Kitchen

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