Slow Cooker Summer Chili

Chili has long been a favorite in many households, but the Sizzling Summer Chili takes this classic dish to a new level by utilizing the bounty of fresh summer produce. Ingredients such as sweet corn and colorful bell peppers are at their peak during these months, adding a delightful crunch and vibrant color to the dish. Unlike traditional chili, which can be heavy and rich, this summer version offers a lighter yet satisfying alternative that is perfect for hot weather dining.

Discover the perfect summer comfort food with Sizzling Summer Chili, a delightful dish that combines traditional chili warmth with fresh seasonal ingredients. This vibrant recipe is packed with sweet corn, colorful bell peppers, and your choice of lean ground turkey or hearty beef, ensuring it’s both satisfying and light. Ideal for summer gatherings or cozy nights in, this chili can be customized to suit all tastes and offers a delicious blend of flavors that will impress your guests. Enjoy a bowl of summer goodness today!

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Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey or beef

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with their juices

1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

2 cups fresh corn (or 1 can of corn, drained)

1 medium onion, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 bell peppers, diced (use a mix of red and green for vibrant color)

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

Optional toppings: diced avocado, fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, lime wedges

Instructions

Prep the Ingredients: Before cooking, prepare your vegetables by finely dicing the onion and bell peppers. Mince the garlic cloves and set everything aside.

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they are softened and fragrant. Then, introduce the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Brown the Meat: Create some space in the skillet by pushing the sautéed vegetables to one side. Add the ground turkey or beef to the other side. Cook thoroughly, breaking the meat apart with a spoon until evenly browned. Season the meat mixture with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano for a well-rounded flavor.

Combine in Slow Cooker: Once the meat is browned, transfer the mixture of meat and vegetables to a slow cooker. Add the rinsed black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes (including their juices), tomato sauce, corn, and chicken broth. Stir all the ingredients together until they are evenly mixed.

Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. If you have the opportunity, stir occasionally, though it's not necessary to do so.

Adjust Seasoning: Approximately 30 minutes before you plan to serve, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can enhance the flavor with additional salt, pepper, or spices based on your taste preferences.

Serve: After the cooking time is up, ladle the hot chili into bowls and serve it steaming. Offer an array of optional toppings such as diced avocado, fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, and lime wedges to allow everyone to customize their bowl for a refreshing and flavorful finish.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 6-8 hours | Serves 6-8

Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Sizzling Summer Chili, perfect for any gathering or cozy night in!