Ingredients

  • 2 lbs beef stew meat, fat trimmed and reduced to one inch pieces
  • 1 large onion, white or yellow, chopped
  • 1 large green pepper, diced
  • 3 (15 ounce) cans whole canned tomatoes, peeled with juice reserved
  • 2 (15 1/2 ounce) cans kidney beans, light red, drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, drained
  • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
  • 2 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons whole black peppercorns, according to taste
  • 2 tablespoons parsley
  • 2 tablespoons oregano
  • 2 tablespoons basil
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seed
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon caraway seed
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Optional garnishes
  • 40 saltine crackers (one half package) (optional)
  • 4 ounces sour cream (regular, light or fat free) (optional)
  • 1/2 cup onion, diced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup tomatoes, freshly diced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)

Method

  • Brown beef stew meat in large skillet just until the edges are browned.
  • While the beef browns, in large crockpot (greater than 3 quarts), combine onion, green pepper, tomatoes (not juice), kidney beans, chili beans, tomato paste and tomato sauce. Stir and add the remaining herbs and spices. Mix well.
  • Add beef and combine well. Stir in reserved tomato juice until mixture is soupy and two inches from the rim of the slow cooker. Do not overfill. Note: The remainder of the juice can be refrigerated in a sealed container in case you want to add it later.
  • Turn the slow cooker to low, cover and allow the chili to cook for a minimum of 8 hours. To help soften the peppercorns and reduce the heat, remove the crock pot from the heating unit and refrigerate overnight.
  • Hints: To thicken chili, add additional beans or instant potato flakes. To thin chili, add remaining tomato juice.
  • Serve in large bowls. Presentation tip: Place serving bowls of Saltines, sour cream, onion, tomatoes and grated cheese on the table and enjoy!