Smoky Beef and Bean Chili

Daddy Rating: 3/4

This dish goes well with a pint since there is beer in the chili!

I love when summer comes because I'm ready for salads and light meals on the BBQ - I love when fall comes because it is time for warm crock pot meals like this one to simmer all day and fill the house with a wonderful aroma. To me a Crock pot meal shouldn't have a ton of prep work to do besides chopping and this recipe fits the bill. Simple, totally affordable with a lot of flavor and makes plenty so you will have left overs for the week.

Ingredients:
2 - 15.5 oz cans kidney beans, rinsed
1 - 28 oz can diced tomatoes (Fire Roasted are the best)
12oz lager beer
1lb stew meat, trimmed down a bit, you want about 3/4" pieces
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons chili powder
Salt
1-3 teaspoons chopped chipotles in adobo sauce (this makes the whole recipe)
Cornbread, sour cream, grated Cheddar, chopped red onion, whatever your heart desires for toppings

In a 4-6 quart slow cooker, mix together beans, tomatoes (with their juices), beer, beef, yellow onion, garlic, tomato paste, chili powder, chipotles, and a touch of salt....how easy is that!

Cover and cook until the beef is tender, on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. I always opt for the low setting, the meat just gets more tender that way. I just made some simple cornbread from a mix and topped it with cheese. Husband was happy and full on a chilly winter day and I had some great leftovers for lunch during the week.

Football Crock-Pot Chili

Daddy Rating: 1 (For Football Sunday of course)

The resident bachelor at work brought in this chili during an office pot-luck and I HAD to get the recipe. I was shocked when I learned it was all canned food, but I knew it would be perfect for a chilly football Sunday. I always try to have some hearty food or snacks on hand for the hubs when he watches football. I score major points when I bring him a bowl of food during a football game - he loves it.

Photo Courtesy of Resident Office Bachelor

Ingredients:
2 cans - Campbell's Steakhouse Chili
1 can - Bush's Chili Beans, hot
1 can - Manwich Bold
1 can - DelMonte diced tomatoes with zesty green chilis
1 can - DelMonte stewed tomatoes
1 cup - small whole wheat pasta not cooked all the way (shells or elbows are good)

Dump everything in a crock pot (drain beans and tomatoes) and cook on low until everything is heated up. You may also want to add some crushed red pepper, creole seasoning or cayenne pepper per your taste buds. Add Pasta about 30 min before serving so it doesn't get mushy. Top with your favorite chili toppings, cheese, sour cream, or french fried onions. YUM

Forget the wine, it's football - serve with a frosty beer!