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All-American Chilli
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.
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Prep Time 18 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 18 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Tex-Mex
Servings 6
Calories 310 kcal

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
Keyword beans and beef, comfort food, crockpot chili, family dinner, game day recipe, ground beef chili, hearty stew, slow cooker chili
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