It’s February and the snow is blowing. I don’t know about you but I always enjoy crock pot meals in the especially in the winter time! Really using a slow cooker is great anytime!

You get everything prepared, throw it in and forget about it. Voila, your dinner is ready and waiting for you. There are so many meal s that can be made ahead in the slow cooker… What are some of your favourites?

Here is Vegetarian Chili if you prefer.

Chili shown with Vegan Corn Bread

Slow Cooker Beef Chili (Gluten Free/ Dairy Free)

1 lb. ground beef, chicken or turkey
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 medium onion-chopped
1 c. chopped celery
1 medium green pepper-chopped
2 cloves garlic- minced
2 c. soaked, cooked, drained and rinsed kidney beans (or 14 oz. can)
2 c. soaked, cooked, drained and rinsed white navy beans (or 14 oz can)

2 c. soaked, cooked, drained and rinsed black beans (or 14 oz. can)

1 28 oz can of diced tomatoes
3 tsp. chili powder

2 tsp. ground cumin
5 oz can tomato paste

sea salt and pepper to taste
hot sauce(optional)
chili peppers(optional)

Brown ground meat, drain, set aside. Saute over medium heat; onion, celery, green pepper in olive oil until soft, add in garlic and cook for five more minutes. Put all ingredients into a large pot or crock pot. If cooking on stove in pot, put on low, stirring occasionally for 3-4 hours. If in crock pot, put on low for 8-10 hours.

If you can, cook chili the day before you’re going to eat it. Chili  always seems to taste better the next day.