Kids' Recipes

Cooking is a skill that helps children read, do math and organize their work logically. This school year, spend more time with your kids in the kitchen and teach them how to cook with easy kids' recipes

Slow-Cooked Chili

This hearty chili is truly a snap to prepare. After browning the beef and stirring in the spices to give them a slightly toasted flavor, you simply toss everything into a slow cooker and let the mixture simmer all day.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3/4 pound stew beef, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small green or red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

• 16-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 16-ounce can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
• 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• Sour cream, chopped fresh parsley, or chopped red onion for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meat and brown it for 2 minutes, stirring often. Add the chili powder and cumin and let the spices heat for 1 minute, stirring all the while. Stir in the flour and let the mixture cook for 1 minute more.

2. Transfer the meat mixture to a large slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients (except for the garnishes), and stir well. Cover the cooker and let the mixture cook for 6 to 8 hours on the low setting, stirring occasionally. If necessary, thin the chili with a little water or stock as it cooks. Serves 8.