Crock-Pot Chili

This super easy chili recipe is so good on a cold day. We've been battling icy weather here in Arkansas (thankfully the power has stayed on), so I figured today would be a great day to make this. Enjoy!



Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef (or ground turkey)
2 cans chili beans (undrained)
1 can diced tomatoes (I prefer the petit diced)
1 batch seasoning mix:

• 1 tsp. paprika
• 2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp. oregano
• 2 tsp. garlic powder (I use minced garlic)

Place uncooked beef in the bottom of crock-pot. Sprinkle on half of seasoning mix. Stir. Add in beans and tomatoes. Sprinkle on remaining half on seasoning mix. Stir. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours. Makes 4-6 servings. This recipe can easily be doubled to serve more. 

You can easily add any other ingredients you may enjoy. Also, resist the urge to "check" on the chili while it's cooking. Every time you open that lid all the steam escapes and it adds to your cooking time. Let it do it's business while you do yours. I'll add a picture when mine finishes cooking!

Super Easy Stew

So our lovely Arkansas Weather has decided to through us a curve ball and revert to winter in May. Since it's freezing outside I had to decide what warm meal to make for supper. I decided on stew. I used to hate making stew because it was so labor intensive. However, I have found a way to make stew that is virtually effortless.

Ingredients:
Stew meat
flour
14 oz. can of diced tomatoes (undrained)
2 c. water
4 medium sized red potatoes
1 lb. bag baby carrots
1 onion (optional)

Directions:
Wash and dice potatoes. Place in bottom of crock pot. Coat stew meat in flour. Place on top of potatoes. Cover in carrots. Add onions if desired. Pour tomatoes over all and add 2 c. water. Cover and cook on low 7-8 hours or until meat and potatoes are tender.

This is a fantastic meal for cold days. Enjoy :)