Slow Cooker Southwest Chili Food

SLOW-COOKER SOUTHWEST CHILI

Steps:

• In 3 1/2- to 4-quart slow cooker, mix all ingredients except bell pepper, beans and cheese.
• Cover; cook on Low heat setting 6 to 7 hours.
• Stir in bell pepper and beans. Increase heat setting to High; uncover and cook about 15 minutes longer or until slightly thickened. Serve with cheese. Note: This recipe was tested in slow cookers with heating elements in the side and bottom of the cooker, not in cookers that stand only on a heated base. For slow cookers with just a heated base, follow the manufacturer's directions for layering ingredients and choosing a temperature.

SOUTHWESTERN CHILI

Steps:

• In a casserole cook the onions, peppers and garlic in the oil over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Add the chili powder, cumin and oregano and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes more. Add the beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink. Add the tomatoes, 1 cup of the broth, the vinegar and chocolate and bring the mixture to a boil, crushing the tomatoes with the back of a spoon. Simmer the chili, covered, for 1 hour, adding additional broth, if necessary. Add the kidney beans and simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes more. Ladle into bowls and serve with rice and desired toppings.

SLOW-COOKED SOUTHWEST CHICKEN

Steps:

• In a 2- or 3-qt. slow cooker, combine the beans, broth, tomatoes, chicken, salsa, corn and seasonings. Cover and cook on low 3-4 hours or until a thermometer inserted in chicken reads 165°., Shred chicken with 2 forks and return to slow cooker; heat through. Serve over rice. If desired, serve with lime wedges and fresh cilantro. Freeze option: After shredding chicken, freeze cooled mixture in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally; add a little broth or water if necessary.

SLOW COOKER SOUTHWEST BEEF STEW

Steps:

• Mix beef, tomatoes, onion and chili powder in 3 1/2-to 4-quart slow cooker.
• Cover and cook on low heat setting about 9 hours or until beef is tender.
• Stir in taco seaoning mix with wire whisk.
• Stir in beans and corn.
• Cover and cook on high heat setting 15-30 min or until thickened.
• Oven Directions (ready in 2 hrs.):.
• Heat oven to 350°F Mix beef, tomatoes, onion and chili powder in 4-qt.
• Dutch oven.
• Cover and bake 1 1/2 hours, stirring once.
• Stir in taco seasoning mix with wire whisk.
• Stir in beans and corn.
• Cover and bake 30 minute.