Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 TBSP Olive Oil
- 1 Medium Onion (Chopped)
- 1 Bell Pepper (Chopped)
- 1 lb. Ground Chuck (Brown & Drain)
- 2 Cloves Garlic (Pressed)
- 2 – 14.5 oz. Cans Diced Tomatoes
- 1 – 16 oz. Can Black Beans (Drained and Rinsed)
- 2 – 16 oz. Cans Kidney Beans (Drained and Rinsed)
- 1 – 8 oz. Can Tomato Sauce
- 1 TSP Freeze-Dried Basil
- 1/2 TSP Black Pepper & 1 TSP Salt
- 3 TBSP Chili Powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to begin cooking. This chili can be made using either a crock potor stovetop, depending on your schedule. Both methods yield equally delicious results.
Crock Pot Method
If you’re looking for a hands-off approach, the crock pot method is ideal. You can set it and forget it while still achieving a well-developed flavor.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onions and bell pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and translucent.
- The key here is to gently sauté the vegetables to release their natural sugars and enhance their flavor without browning them too much.
- Brown the Ground Chuck:
- Once the vegetables are cooked, push them to the side of the skillet and add the ground chuck. Cook the beef until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Make sure no pink remains in the beef, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Drain the excess grease to avoid an overly oily chili.
- Transfer to the Crock Pot:
- After draining the beef, transfer it along with the cooked vegetables to the crock pot.
- Add the Remaining Ingredients:
- Now, add the diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, tomato sauce, garlic, basil, salt, black pepper, and chili powder to the crock pot. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Cook the Chili:
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich and flavorful chili.
- You can adjust the cooking time based on your specific crock pot’s temperature settings. Some may cook hotter or slower than others, so it’s best to use your judgment to ensure the chili is hot and bubbling before serving.