Semi-Homemade chili

Today I am making Sandra Lee's semi-homemade 5 Bean Chili. This recipe really is simple and delicious. I just sauted the meat in a pan then added some onion and garlic. Sandra's recipe did not call for garlic, but I love garlic so I threw in a few cloves (minced). Then I placed the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce and beans (I used only 4 types of beans) in my crockpot (on low, 7-8 hours). After the meat was cooked all the way through, I put in the cup of water and one and a half packets of chili seasoning in the pan. I simmered that for about 5 minues then added that to my crockpot. To serve: top with some shredded sharp cheddar cheese and cilantro.

I used another one of Sandra's recipes to have with the chili, and that was her Spicy Fries. Instead of using taco seasoning to spice up the store bought fries I used the remaining chili seasoning.

This chili recipe is great for cookouts. The ingredients are affordable and it doesn't take much time to prepare. Mix everything in your crockpot then sit back and relax. Place the crockpot on high and cook for only 4 hours. I'm bringing this chili to the 4th of July party I am going to. It's great to eat alone or use it to spice up plain hamburgers and hotdogs!