Spicy Slow Cooker Chili

If you’re looking for a hearty chili that works great in the slow cooker and has a great flavor boost, this is the one!  The combination of sweet and spicy sausage instead of plain ground beef gives it great flavor.  And if you like it even spicier, you could use all spicy sausage.  This recipe is included in November’s Family Favorites Menu Plan!  Learn how to get yours here.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spicy bulk pork sausage, crumbled
• 1 pound sweet bulk pork sausage, crumbled
• ½ c. organic chicken or vegetable broth, plus additional, if needed
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 medium white onion, finely chopped
• 2 stalks celery, toughed ends removed and chopped into small pieces
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped into small pieces
• 2 cans (15 oz.) white beans, drained and rinsed
  2 cans (15.5 oz.) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cans (28 oz.) tomato puree
• 1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste
• 1 can (28 oz.) petite-cut tomatoes, undrained
• 3 T. chili powder
• 1 T. ground cumin
• 2 t. oregano, dried
• 1 t. cayenne pepper
• 1 c. black coffee (or water), if needed
• Salt, to taste
• Garnish, (optional)
  8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
  ¾ c. chopped red onion
  2 fresh jalapeno peppers, sliced

Directions:

In a large skillet, brown pork sausage over medium heat until no longer pink. Remove from heat and drain excess fat from pan. Transfer browned sausage to slow cooker crock. (Tip: Crumble the bulk sausage with your fingers prior to browning. This gives you better control over the size of each piece and is easier than breaking up the chunks of sausage with a wooden spoon while cooking. Another alternative is to use a potato masher, if you have one.)

Return skillet to burner over medium-high heat. Deglaze pan with chicken or vegetable broth, scraping up browned bits from bottom of pan with a wooden spoon.

Add olive oil, garlic, and onion to pan and cook, stirring frequently, about 3-4 minutes or until softened. Add celery and carrot and continue cooking another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and pour skillet contents into slow cooker.

Add white beans, red beans, tomato puree, tomato paste, petite-cut tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper to slow cooker. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly. If desired, add water or black coffee to thin mixture before cooking.

Cook on high for 4 hours, or low for 8 hours. When finished, stir and add salt to taste. Adjust other seasonings, as desired.

Spoon into bowls and top with shredded cheese, chopped onions and/or sliced jalapeno peppers. Serve immediately.

Freeze or refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.  This makes a lot, so you’re sure to have leftovers!