Shoptalk by Sturbridge Yankee Workshop

Chilly weather has accompanied the start of the New Year, but it’s easy to stay warm and cozy with these slow cooker chili recipes. With a hearty ingredients list for meat lovers and an equally scrumptious one for vegetarians, these flexible recipes will keep everyone happy and full.

Hearty Slow Cooker Chili

What you’ll need:

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1/2 pound sweet Italian sausage
• 1/2 pound spicy Italian sausage
• 2 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (15 1/2 ounces) tomato sauce
• 2 cans (16 ounces each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 green bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1/2 package chili powder (alter to taste)

Directions:

1. Brown ground beef and sausage in large skillet on medium heat. Drain fat.
2. Place cooked beef and sausage, tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, corn, bell pepper, garlic and chili powder in slow cooker. Stir until well mixed, cover.
3. Cook 8 hours on low; 4 hours on high.
4. Stir well and serve (will serve about 8).

Vegetarian Slow Cooker Chili

What you’ll need:

• 1 can (19 ounces) black bean soup
• 1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (16 ounces) vegetarian baked beans
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) pureed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 tablespoon chili powder (alter to taste)
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried basil

Directions:

1. Combine black bean soup, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, baked beans, tomato puree, corn, onion, bell pepper and celery in a slow cooker.
2. Add garlic, chili powder, oregano and basil; stir well.
3. Cook 4 hours on low; 2 hours on high.
4. Stir well and serve (will serve about 8).