All-American Chili is a hearty and comforting dish that embodies the warmth and community spirit of American home cooking. Originally inspired by the Tex-Mex tradition of spicy, meat-based stews, this version highlights simple pantry ingredients, ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and warming spices, slow-cooked to perfection. It’s beloved for its deep, smoky flavor and flexibility, making it a staple at family gatherings, game-day parties, and cold-weather dinners. The slow cooker method ensures rich, layered flavors with minimal effort, making it a modern classic in kitchens across the U.S.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs lean ground beef
- 2 onions (chopped)
- 1 yellow pepper (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 cans kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
- 14 ½ oz diced tomatoes (drained)
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onions, yellow pepper, garlic, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, 1 tbsp chili powder, ½ tsp cumin, and ½ tsp oregano.
Step 2: Slow Cook
- Pour mixture into a slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 6 hours, until flavors meld and vegetables are tender.
Step 3: Adjust Seasoning
- Remove lid and stir in remaining chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Season with salt to taste.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve hot with shredded cheese, sour cream, or cornbread if desired.
Tips
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add corn or black beans for extra texture.
- Spice it up with jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Freeze leftovers for easy future meals.
- Serve over rice or baked potatoes for a filling twist.
Nutrition
Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 28gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 640mgPotassium: 890mgFiber: 8gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 750IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 75mgIron: 4.2mg
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