Easy, Yummy Crockpot Chili

We are getting to have cooler fall weather now and chili sure does fit the bill for filling comfort food. But it doesn't mean it has to be fattening either. Plus it is budget friendly, and that is always a good thing. Serves 6.

1 pound  97/3 ground beef (or 93/7, or even ground turkey!)
3 15 oz cans beans, your choice
2 cans diced tomatoes (or about 6-8 fresh, chopped)
1 onion, chopped
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 bunch cilantro
1 packet chili seasoning
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or red pepper flakes, you can use more or less)

Brown your ground beef (or turkey!). Add your onions and garlic to the pan and saute with the meat till onions a bit translucent. Pour the meat, onions and garlic into the crockpot, along with the beans, chili seasoning, cilantro and pepper. Give it a good stir and set on high for 4 hours, 6-8 hours on low.

If you would want to use dry beans, soak them overnight before hand and then make sure to boil them in a pot for at least 10 minutes before putting in your crockpot. Dry beans have a toxin called Phytohaemagglutinin that a crockpot's temperature cannot kill, so you definitely have to boil them first to get rid of it. It makes people sick, so you ought to be careful. But using canned beans definitely makes it easier, and bypasses the risks. Just an FYI.

About 8 points a serving. Good stuff!!