Question

What is a good slow cooker recipe using basic pantry staple items one might have on hand?

Answer 1

A classic slow cooker recipe that can be made using basic pantry staple items is "Slow Cooker Chili." This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for busy days and can be easily customized to your taste preferences. Here's a simple recipe to get you started:

Slow Cooker Chili:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (you can also use ground turkey or chicken)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth (you can use chicken or vegetable broth as well)
• 2 tablespoons chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or diced avocado

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, if needed.

2. Place the cooked beef in the slow cooker, along with the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and tomato sauce.

3. Add the beef broth, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The longer you cook it, the more the flavors will meld together.

5. Once the chili is fully cooked and the flavors have developed, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

6. Serve the chili in bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or diced avocado.

Note: If you don't have some of the specific canned items mentioned above, you can substitute with similar ingredients you have on hand. For example, you can use different types of beans or use crushed tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes.

This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to make a larger batch, which you can store and enjoy for several meals throughout the week. It's a delicious and comforting meal that's perfect for any time of the year!