Hearty Four-Bean Chili

Serves: 6-8 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 4 hours

Chili Season is here, and cleanup is optional! This is our go-to One-Pot Slow Cooker Chili. It's hearty, perfectly spiced, and so easy. Who are you inviting over to share this pot with?

Ingredients:

• 1.5-2 lbs lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon Clean Monday Meals Everyday Beef Seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed for browning)
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 1 large bell pepper (any color), diced
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, undrained
• 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, undrained
• 1 (15 oz) can black-eyed peas, undrained
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, undrained
• 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 tablespoons Clean Monday Meals Beef Bouillon powder
• 2 tablespoons Clean Monday Meals Chili Powder
• Optional Garnish: Shredded cheese, sour cream (or dairy-free alternatives), chopped cilantro.

Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil (if using) in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up. Season the beef with the Everyday Beef Seasoning as it cooks until it is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pot with the beef. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and slightly brown.
3. Add Liquids and Seasoning: Reduce the heat to low. Add all four cans of undrained beans, the crushed tomatoes, and the fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Stir in the Clean Monday Meals Beef Bouillon powder and the Clean Monday Meals Chili Powder.
4. Simmer: Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 4 hours (or longer, up to 6 hours), stirring occasionally. The long simmer time allows the flavors to fully meld.
5. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning (salt/pepper) if necessary. Serve hot with your favorite garnishes.

Slow Cooker Instructions:

The cook time for this chili can be easily converted to a slow cooker after the initial browning step.

1. Brown the Beef and Vegetables (Stovetop): Follow the main instructions (Steps 1 & 2) for browning the ground beef (seasoned with Everyday Beef Seasoning) and sautéing the diced onion and bell pepper in a separate skillet. Drain any excess fat.
2. Assemble Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked beef and vegetable mixture to the slow cooker insert.
3. Add Remaining Ingredients: Add all four cans of undrained beans, both cans of tomatoes, the Beef Bouillon powder, and the Chili Powder to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
4. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 4–6 hours. Stir occasionally, if possible, but the long cook time is flexible.
5. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving hot.