Rena'S Crock-Pot
A hearty, flavorful slow-cooker chili blending ground beef, beans, and tomatoes, perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings, offering comforting, bold tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown beef and chopped onion in a skillet.
- Transfer the browned beef and onion to the crock-pot.
- Add the Ranch Style beans, minestrone, Ro-Tel tomatoes, and plain tomatoes to the crock-pot.
- Stir to blend all ingredients thoroughly.
- Cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on medium for 3 to 4 hours, until flavors are well combined and heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of chili powder or cumin to the mixture. If you want a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. You can also use different types of beans like black beans or pinto beans instead of Ranch Style beans for a variation. This dish can be served with rice or cornbread for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Rena's Crock-Pot dish with a side of cornbread or over a bed of rice. A fresh green salad or coleslaw pairs nicely to balance the richness of the dish. For a cozy meal, consider serving it with a side of tortilla chips for scooping. This dish is also great for potlucks or gatherings and can be easily doubled for a crowd.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the dish in individual portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to avoid drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rena'S Crock-Pot contains roughly 822 calories, with 40g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (80% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 925mg per serving (40% 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 turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef in this recipe. It will provide a lighter option while still delivering good flavor. Just be mindful that turkey may require slightly less cooking time, so check for doneness earlier.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, you can include diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce when combining the ingredients in the crock-pot. Additionally, using spicy Ro-Tel tomatoes will enhance the overall spiciness without overpowering the dish.
Is it possible to cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook this dish on high for about 3 to 4 hours instead of the low setting. However, cooking on low allows the flavors to meld together more thoroughly, so if time allows, the longer cooking time is recommended for the best results.
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).