Spicy and Sweet Three Bean Slow Cooker Chili

I grew up eating my mom's homemade chili - one of my favorite dishes.  I never cared about learning how to make it when I was younger, I just wanted to eat it.  Bless her heart (my mother) - every summer she would tell my sister and I that we were making one meal a week so that we could learn how to cook.  Despite her best intentions, we never did (make a meal, that is).  Fast forward a few years - I got married and developed an interest in cooking.  It took a lot of Food Network to gain all of the free knowledge I had missed out on!  My mom's chili recipe would often float into my thoughts, but when I would ask her how she made it, she would always tell me that she didn't have a recipe..."a little of this... a little of that..."  I never got a recipe out of her, and still haven't.  I just know that my mom's chili is more savory-sweet than salty, it has green peppers (which normally make me cringe, but I love in this).
So, after years of making my own chili recipe with ...gasp... a "chili seasoning packet" - I finally decided to put together my own recipe.  I spent some time looking at a good amount of recipes, taking mental notes on ingredients that we would like, and putting the combinations to the test.  We love this chili recipe - it reminds me of my mom's chili, but with a little more spiciness.  My little one loves it too!
Best dishes and yummy dreams!

xoxo,

Little Mommy's Slow Cooker Chili

Serves 6-8

Printable recipe

1 package of 97/3 lean ground beef (1 pound - 1 1/2 pounds)

2 small sweet onions, diced

1 small green pepper, sliced 

2 garlic cloves

2 cans of kidney beans (15 oz. each)

1 can of pinto beans (15 oz.)

1 can of cannelini beans (15 oz.)

15 oz. can of tomato sauce 

15 oz. can of diced tomatoes (with juice) 

1/4 c. chili powder

1 tsp. oregano, cumin, pepper, and salt

2 tsp. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. cayenne

1/2 c. of light beer

1.  Cook, drain, and rinse beef.  Place in the slow cooker on low.

2.  In a pan over medium heat, saute onion and peppers in olive oil.  When the veggies are tender, add grated garlic and saute for a minute longer.

3.  Add sauteed veggies and remaining ingredients into the slow cooker.  Cook on low for 6-8 hours (the longer the better).

4.  Add desired toppings and enjoy!

I shared this in the Texas Star Chili Cook Off!

My little one enjoying the chili!

Thanks for reading, loves xo