Crockpot Chili

I've been playing with this chili recipe. It's a good recipe because it can be made completely from stored items, assuming you have meat in the freezer.

3 cans pinto beans and 1 can kidney beans (I drained and rinsed 3 cans).

1 quart home-bottled tomatoes AND 1 small can diced tomatoes (could use 1 lg and 1 small can diced tomatoes if you don't have any home-bottled quarts).

1 small can of tomato sauce

1 pound hamburger, cooked with onion (I used dried onions)

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon minced garlic

4 teaspoons chili powder

1 bay leaf

more dried onions (about 1/4 cup)

water, amount to be determined once everything is in the crockpot.

Instructions: Put all ingredients in a crockpot. It will be a little thick because it won't have much fluid in it. Add water to reach desired thickness. Cook on low setting for about 6-8 hours.

Slow Cooker Italian Beef

Slow Cooker Italian Beef

I made this meal this afternoon and it was fabulous.

Slow Cooker Italian Beef for Sandwiches

1 1/2 cups beef broth
1 cup water
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon onion salt
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 bay leaf
1 (.7 ounce) package dry Italian-style salad dressing mix (such as Good Seasons brand)
1 (5 pound) chuck roast (my roast was only 3.5 lbs)

Combine water and beef broth with salt, ground black pepper, oregano, basil, onion salt, parsley, garlic powder, bay leaf, and salad dressing mix. Whisk to combine.Place roast in slow cooker, and pour salad dressing mixture over the meat. Cover, and cook on Low for 10 to 12 hours, or on High for 4 to 5 hours. When done, remove bay leaf, and shred meat with a fork (I did this step about 45 minutes before eating so the shredded meat had time to absorb more of the juices in the crockpot). Serve on crusty rolls with cheese, if desired.