Slow Cooker Chili

In a saute pan, brown and crumble ground beef with celery, onion, garlic, chili powder and cumin over medium high heat (until meat is completely brown and vegetables are tender). Drain excess grease and pour beef mixture into your Crock Pot.

Open cans of tomatoes, tomato sauce and kidney beans (do not rinse or drain) and dump those into your crock pot. Fill up a tomato sauce can full of water (you can use another can of tomato sauce instead of the water if you prefer) and pour that in as well. Mix thoroughly and add worcestershire sauce and salt and pepper. Cover with lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours (the longer, the better).

Taste before serving and add more salt and pepper as necessary.

Serve with toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream and finely chopped red onions.

Cook’s note: This is great for a crowd. It is easily doubled and you can put toppings out in bowls and let guests add whatever they like. Also, if you want to turn the heat up on your chili, you can add 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely minced to the pot. Or, you can just add a few shakes of hot sauce or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Also, try adding other types of beans along with the kidney beans. Pinto beans and black beans would be great in here (just make sure to rinse and drain those beans before adding to the pot).

This is great served with cornbread or crackers.