Out here in the Midwest, a pot of beef chili has always meant more than just supper. It’s what you put on when the wind starts to whistle around the eaves and you know folks will be stomping in from the cold, cheeks red and hands chilled. This simple 5-ingredient slow cooker hearty beef chili is the kind of recipe our mothers and grandmothers loved—straightforward, filling, and easy to stretch when another neighbor shows up at the table. Using raw ground beef means you can get it going in just a few minutes, then let it quietly bubble away while you go about your day. It’s the sort of no-fuss, stick-to-your-ribs meal that works on busy weekdays, game days, or any time you want something warm and familiar without a lot of fuss.
This chili is right at home with a basket of warm cornbread or a pan of simple skillet corn cakes, the way many of us grew up eating it after chores were done. A scoop over baked potatoes or plain white rice will stretch it nicely if you’re feeding a crowd. On the table, set out bowls of shredded cheddar, a little sour cream, and some chopped onion for those who like to dress theirs up. If you’ve got a jar of homemade pickles or some crunchy coleslaw, they add a nice cool contrast. And for a true Midwestern touch, serve it alongside saltine crackers or buttered toast—nothing fancy, just the kind of honest sides that have filled farm tables for generations.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Hearty Beef Chili
Servings: 6
Ingredients
2 pounds raw ground beef (80–85% lean)
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cans (15 ounces each) chili beans in sauce, undrained
1 packet (about 1 ounce) chili seasoning mix
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
Directions
see next page
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