Hi! I’m back after a brief hiatus while I started my new job. While thinking about what I was going to share this week, I was inspired by a few things: my mom, football season, fall/October (which just so happens to be Breast Cancer Awareness Month), and my new Chicago Bears Crock Pot.

That being said, this week’s recipe belongs to my amazing mother. She taught me everything I know about cooking and also happens to be a breast cancer survivor. Not only is she an amazing women, but she make a killer chili. This recipe fits right in with fall and football season. Did I mention that it’s super easy? She never makes it the same twice, which I think is why I like it so much. All you have to do is take what you have the in house, add a few key ingredients, and throw it in the slow cooker.

Here’s what you will need:

1-2 lbs ground meat of choice (I used turkey, mom uses beef aka “the good stuff” )

1 onion (chopped)

1 can Rotel diced tomatoes & green chilies

1-2 cans (14-24 oz) diced tomatoes

1 can red kidney beans (drained)

1 can pinto beans (drained)

1 can corn (drained)

1 can hominy (drained)

1 package ranch dressing mix

1 package taco seasoning mix (I used low sodium)

 

Now what do you do?

1. Drain the corn and beans
2. Pour tomatoes, corn, beans and spice mixes into the slow cooker
3. Chop the onion
4. Brown the meat in a skillet
5. Add the meat and onion into the slow cooker
6. Cook on high for a couple hours, or low if you are leaving it for a long time

That’s it! I used spicy everything, because that’s how my husband likes his chili. But you certainly do not have have to. I also didn’t have hominy, so I used some black beans and garbonzo beans that I had on hand.

This is guaranteed to make your guests wonder what kind of magical kitchen wizard you are… and you can let them! I wont tell. This chili goes best with corn bread on the bottom of the bowl. Seriously it is the best thing on the planet and I am drooling on my keyboard just thinking about it. I’m going to stop writing because I want to start chili-ing. Thanks, Mom!