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
- Brown the ground beef before adding to the slow cooker for richer flavor and less fat.
- Substitute part of the kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans for variety.
- Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
- Stir in a small square of dark chocolate or a spoon of cocoa powder to deepen flavor.
- Top with optional garnishes such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onion, or cilantro.
- Replace ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Add corn kernels during the last hour for sweetness and texture.
- Make ahead and refrigerate overnight, flavors improve the next day.
- Freeze leftovers in portioned containers for easy future meals.
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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