Easy Chili Con Carne – A Slow Cooker Recipe

With fall in the air and football season going strong it is time to make some chili!  We love chili.  This recipe is not only simple but economical too.  It also freezes well. 

Chili Con Carne 

3 cups pinto beans

1 lb. lean ground beef or turkey

1 small onion, diced

1 Tbs. olive oil

1 15 oz. can tomato sauce

1 15 oz. can diced tomatoes and green chiles

1 envelope chili seasoning 

Sort, rinse and soak beans overnight in cool water.  Drain and place in large slow cooker.  Cover with warm water and cook on high for 4 hours.  Stir occasionally. 

Once beans are tender, brown meat and onions in olive oil.  Drain any fat off and place in slow cooker.  Add remaining ingredients and stir.  Cook additional two hours stirring occasionally.  Serve. 

I love this with cornbread and a nice spinach or cabbage salad.  Topped with a little grated cheddar or a dollop of sour cream is a nice treat too. 

This recipe easily doubles for a larger crowd or as an investment cooking meal to put up in the freezer. 

You can certainly substitute the envelope of chili seasoning for your own homemade version or this one: 

Homemade Chili Seasoning 

1 Tbs. flour

1 Tbs. chili powder

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp minced onion powder

1 tsp salt

½ to 1 tsp crushed red pepper flake (optional) 

Whisk ingredients together in a small bowl.  Add to chili recipe.