Slow Cooker (or not) All-American Chili
with zucchini / bell peppers
We call this 'All-American' chili because it's completely classic - ground beef, beans, and a simple blend of dried spices. To give it a Cook Smarts twist, we made sure it includes some vegetables, too. This meal was first featured in 2021.
Smarts: Chili is a great meal to make ahead and / or freeze for the future. It tends to taste even better a day or two after it's made.
Cooking methods: This recipe includes instructions for using the slow cooker or stovetop. Select your preferred method.
Ingredients
- Zucchini - 10 oz , diced
- Bell peppers, any color - 1 , diced
- Onions, medium - 1 , diced
- Garlic - 3 cloves , chopped
- Chili powder - 1 Tbsp
- Paprika, smoked - 2 tsp (sub regular paprika)
- Cumin, ground - 1 tsp
- Coriander, ground - 1 tsp
- Salt - 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper - 1/4 tsp
- Oil, cooking - 1 Tbsp
- Beef, ground and lean - 1 lb
- Beans, red kidney (14 oz / 397 g) - 1 can , drained and rinsed
- Tomato paste - 2 Tbsp
- Stock, any type - 1 1/2 cups
- Tomatoes, diced and preferably fire-roasted (14 oz / 397 g) - 1 can
- Cheese, cheddar - 4 oz , shredded (look for pre-shredded to save time)
- Green onions - 2 stalks , chopped; green and white parts combined
- Sour cream - for serving (sub plain or Greek yogurt)
- Tortilla chips (opt) - for serving
Choose Cooking Method
Prep
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Zucchini / Bell peppers / Onions / Garlic - Prep as directed. Store zucchini and bell peppers in their own separate containers. Combine onions and garlic in another container. (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
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Make spice blend - Combine chili powder, paprika, cumin, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
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Saute beef - In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook, breaking it apart, until lightly browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Add onion, garlic, and spice blend and saute until onions are starting to soften, 3 to 4 minutes. (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
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Beans - Drain and rinse.
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Slow cook chili - In the bowl of a slow cooker, combine beef-onion mixture, zucchini, bell peppers, beans, tomato paste, stock, and tomatoes (including liquid). Stir everything well to combine. Gently press down ingredients until they are mostly submerged in liquid (it may seem like you don’t have enough liquid, but the ingredients will release moisture as they cook). Cook chili on low for 8 to 9 hours. (Note: This is best cooked on low because the low liquid content and tomatoes can cause burning if cooked at higher heat.)
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Cheese / Green onions - Prep as directed.
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Make
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Give chili a stir. Taste and season with some salt and pepper. If you’d like it spicier, you can add some hot sauce (not on ingredients list).
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Serve chili with cheese, green onions, sour cream, and chips for topping. Enjoy!
Prep
-
Zucchini / Bell peppers / Onions / Garlic - Prep as directed. Store zucchini and bell peppers in their own separate containers. Combine onions and garlic in another container. (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
-
Make spice blend - Combine chili powder, paprika, cumin, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
-
Beans - Drain and rinse.
-
Cheese / Green onions - Prep as directed.
Unlock this meal along with hundreds of smart meal plans and never stress about "What's for dinner?" again
Try for freeLearn More
Make
-
Heat a Dutch oven with oil over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook, breaking it apart, until lightly browned, 6 to 8 minutes.
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To beef, add onion, garlic, and spice blend and saute until onions are starting to soften, 3 to 4 minutes.
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Stir in zucchini, bell peppers, beans, tomato paste, stock , and tomatoes (including liquid). Bring to a simmer. Cover and simmer chili for 20 to 25 minutes to let the flavors come together (reduce heat as needed to maintain a low simmer).
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Give chili a stir. Taste and season with some salt and pepper. If you’d like it spicier, you can add some hot sauce (not on ingredients list).
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Serve chili with cheese, green onions, sour cream, and chips for topping. Enjoy!
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