Slow Cooker Black Bean Chili with Lime and Cilantro

Photo credit: Kalyn's Kitchen

The wind and rain is getting crazy outside right now! When nasty weather come's along, what makes you feel better? Chili. I came across this Slow Cooker Black Bean Chili recipe on Kalyn's Kitchen cooking blog.

She gives great step-by-step instructions and photos. For this recipe, she provided the instructions for both slow cooker and stove top methods for cooking the soup. Her blog has become really popular with those that are looking for a lower-glycemic index way of eating. At the end of most of her recipes, she includes alterations or recommendations to the recipe for those that are on the South Beach diet. Give her blog a look and check out her other delicious recipes!

'Till next time,

Matthew

Slow Cooker Steak and Pasta Soup

Photo Credit: Betty Crocker

One of my favorite meals in the fraternity house was Ms. Glenda's ravioli. When I came across this slow cooker recipe from Betty Crocker it reminded me of all the good times I had over dinners with my fraternity brothers. This Slow Cooker Steak and Pasta Soup is easy and hearty. It doesn't get much better than this!

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 8.5 hours

Servings: 5

Ingredients:

1lb boneless beef round steak

1 26oz marinara sauce

2 1/2 cups of water

1 9oz package refrigerated cheese-filled ravioli

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cut beef into 1/2 inch cubes. Mix the beef, marinara sauce and water in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. Stir in ravioli and increase heat setting to high. Cook 30 minutes until ravioli are tender. Garnish with grated cheese.

'Till next time,

Matthew

Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

Vegetarian Chili. Two words I never thought I would say. My diet until recently could have been compared to that of a five-year-old's: chicken nuggets, macaroni-and-cheese, fries and ketchup. I decided to go out on a limb and try a vegetarian soup. I compiled the ingredients for a basic chili, substituted the ground beef for crumbled veggie burgers and there you have it: Vegetarian Chili!

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 4-5 hours
Servings: 6

Ingredients:
2 Boxes (four burgers each) of Veggie Burgers
1/2 Onion
16 oz Can of Diced Tomatoes
10 oz Hot V8 Juice
15 oz Can of Hot Chili Beans
1/2 tsp. of Salt
1 Tbsp. of Chili Powder

Brown the veggie burgers and crumble. Combine all of the ingredients in the slow cooker. Stir occasionally. Cook on low 4-5 hours.

Garnish with sour cream, cheddar cheese or jalapeno peppers. 

This was such a good chili, I will definitely be making it again!  And what's great is that the leftovers can be used as a chili topping for fries, tater tots, (veggie) burgers, etc.

'Till next time,
Matthew

Slow Cooker Cheesy Turkey Corn Chowder

This slow cooker Cheesy Turkey Corn Chowder recipe is very easy, and only includes a few ingredients. I had most of the ingredients in the refrigerator and pantry, especially after the holiday season of making all of those meals, dips and desserts. And when I say "making all of those..." I really mean "eating all of those..." meals, dips and desserts.

Ingredients:

1 14 oz Can Diced Tomatoes

1 12 oz Can Evaporated Milk

1 12 oz Bag Shredded Cheddar Cheese

2 15 oz Cans of Sweet Kernel Corn

2 8 oz Cream Cheese

2lb Turkey cooked and shredded

Salt, Pepper and Hot Sauce to taste

Combine cream cheese, milk, tomatoes and corn in slow cooker. Cover and cook on Low for about 1 hour. Add turkey and cheddar cheese. Cover and cook on High for 30-45 minutes or until cheese is melted and meat is heated. Add salt, pepper and hot sauce to taste if you wish.

Next time I would add 1/2 to 1 cup extra of the evaporated milk, and maybe some finely chopped onions to add another level of flavor to the soup.

'Till next time,

Matthew