Introduction
Chili is the quintessential comfort food. It’s warm, hearty, and bursting with flavors, making it a favorite for family dinners. But if you’re looking to elevate your traditional chili recipe with a nutritious twist, you’ve come to the right place! Our ‘Family-Friendly Slow Cooker Chili with a Veggie Boost’ is not only packed with protein and fiber but also loaded with a variety of wholesome vegetables that even the pickiest eaters will love.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this chili simmers in the slow cooker, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully while you tackle other tasks. Whether served with a sprinkle of cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or a side of corn bread, every bowl is sure to bring smiles around the dinner table. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or beans!
So grab your slow cooker and let’s dive into this delicious, easy-to-make recipe that’s bound to become a staple in your family meal rotation!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- Optional: shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado for garnish
Instructions
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- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat and transfer the meat to the slow cooker.
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- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, bell pepper, zucchini, and grated carrot to the slow cooker with the beef.
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- Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, corn, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
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- Pour in the vegetable broth (or water) and gently mix everything together until well combined.
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- Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
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- Once cooking time is up, give the chili a good stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
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- Serve hot in bowls, and top with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or avocado slices.
- Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 6-8 hours | Servings: 6-8
Key Ingredients
- Ground Meat: 1 pound of lean ground beef, turkey, or chicken for a hearty base.
- Beans: 2 cans (15 oz each) of mixed beans (like kidney, black, and pinto), drained and rinsed for added protein and fiber.
- Canned Tomatoes: 1 can (28 oz) of diced tomatoes, providing a rich and tangy flavor.
- Vegetables: 1 cup each of diced bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini for a nutritious veggie boost.
- Onion and Garlic: 1 medium onion, chopped, and 3 cloves of garlic, minced, for aromatic depth.
- Chili Powder: 2 tablespoons for that signature chili flavor, adjustable to taste.
- Cumin: 1 teaspoon to add warmth and complexity.
- Broth: 1 cup of low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth for a flavorful base.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
- Optional Toppings: Shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or avocado for a finishing touch.
This combination of ingredients ensures a savory and satisfying chili that the whole family will enjoy!
Baking Process
While you may think of slow cooker chili as a hearty one-pot meal, you can elevate it by incorporating a delicious cornbread or savory skillet bread on the side. Here’s a simple baking guide to prepare a complementary bread that pairs perfectly with your Family-Friendly Slow Cooker Chili.
Ingredients for Cornbread:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup sugar (optional, for a sweeter cornbread)
- 1 cup milk (or a dairy-free alternative)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 large egg
Baking Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial for achieving that perfect rise in your cornbread.
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Prepare the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if using) until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the milk, vegetable oil, and egg until fully integrated.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. This will help keep your cornbread light and fluffy.
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Grease the Pan: Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a cast-iron skillet with butter or non-stick spray. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal.
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Pour the Batter: Once your batter is ready, pour it into the prepared baking dish or skillet, spreading it evenly.
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Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Serve: Remove the cornbread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After cooling, slice it into squares or wedges. Serve warm alongside your slow cooker chili for delightful scooping and dipping!
Tips for Success:
- Add Ins: For a special twist, consider mixing in shredded cheese, jalapeños for a kick, or sweet corn kernels into your cornbread batter.
- Storage: Uneaten cornbread can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days or frozen for later enjoyment.
- Reheat: Warm up any leftovers in the microwave or oven for a few minutes before serving.
This cornbread recipe is incredibly straightforward and complements the flavors of your chili while adding that warm, comforting touch that everyone in the family will love. Enjoy baking!
Serving Suggestions
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Toppings Galore: Elevate your chili with a variety of toppings! Consider shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, or chopped green onions. A squeeze of fresh lime adds a zesty finish that complements the flavors beautifully.
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Cornbread or Bread Rolls: Serve your chili with warm cornbread or crusty bread rolls. These pair wonderfully with the hearty dish and are perfect for soaking up every last drop!
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Rice or Quinoa: For a heartier meal, serve your chili over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa. This not only adds additional texture but also stretches the dish further, making it ideal for larger families.
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Salad on the Side: Balance out the richness of the chili with a fresh side salad. A simple mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light dressing makes for a refreshing accompaniment.
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Tortilla Chips: For a fun twist, serve your chili with crispy tortilla chips on the side. They add a delightful crunch and can be used to scoop up the chili for a playful eating experience.
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Baked Potatoes: Another great way to enjoy your chili is by serving it over baked potatoes. The creamy texture of the potato complements the chili’s bold flavors while making for a filling and comforting meal.
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Meal Prep Idea: This slow cooker chili freezes well, making it a great candidate for meal prep. Divide leftovers into individual portions, label them, and store them in the freezer for a quick, nutritious meal on busy nights.
Feel free to mix and match these serving suggestions to cater to your family’s favorites, and enjoy the delightful warmth of this family-friendly slow cooker chili!
Conclusion
This Family-Friendly Slow Cooker Chili with a Veggie Boost is not only a delightful dish that the whole family will love, but it also offers a fantastic way to sneak in some extra nutrients without compromising on flavor. With the rich blend of spices, hearty beans, and plenty of colorful vegetables, this chili is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility; feel free to adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand or to suit your family’s tastes. Whether you serve it on a chilly evening or as a wholesome meal prep option for the week, this chili promises to warm hearts and fill bellies.
So gather around the table and enjoy a comforting bowl that not only brings the family together but also champions healthy eating. Don’t forget to top it off with your favorite garnishes — a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of cheese, or some fresh cilantro can elevate your bowl from good to great! Happy cooking!
