Homestyle Chile(For The Crock-Pot. Makes 6 To 8 Servings.)
A hearty, flavorful chili with tender beef, kidney beans, and smoky spices, ideal for slow cooking and perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp Kitchen Bouquet ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 cup coarsely chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 (15 1/4 oz) cans kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup seeded and coarsely chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 large can tomato juice ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz) can whole tomatoes, broken up and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin ⓘ
- 2 to 3 tsp chili powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from meat; cut into 1-inch cubes.
- In slow cooker, lightly toss beef cubes and Kitchen Bouquet, coating meat on all sides.
- Combine flour, salt, and pepper.
- Sprinkle the mixture over beef cubes; stir gently until evenly coated.
- Add chopped onion and green pepper to the slow cooker.
- Combine tomato juice, broken-up tomatoes, minced garlic, ground cumin, and chili powder; pour over beef and vegetables.
- Stir gently to combine ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 10 to 12 hours or until beef is tender.
- During the last hour of cooking, add drained kidney beans.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef cubes before adding them to the slow cooker. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-chopped onions and green peppers. For a spicier kick, add jalapeños or increase the chili powder. You can also substitute kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans if preferred.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this homestyle chile with cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with Easy Meat Loaf (Microwave) for a comforting dinner spread. Consider serving it alongside a simple salad for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Homestyle Chile(For The Crock-Pot. Makes 6 To 8 Servings.) contains roughly 341 calories, with 17g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (63% of the Daily Value), iron (45% of the Daily Value), and protein (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1196mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken or turkey instead of beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken or turkey, but adjust the cooking time accordingly, as poultry typically cooks faster. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for best results.
What can I do if my chili is too thick?
If the chili is too thick, simply stir in a bit of water or additional tomato juice until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can add more canned tomatoes or beans if you prefer.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the beef with a mix of sautéed mushrooms and lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of tomato juice and add extra vegetables like zucchini or carrots for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).