Three-bean and Pork Slow Cooker Chili

Slow Cooker Pork and Three-Bean Chili Recipe from the USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 6-8 hours | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

This Three-bean and Pork Slow Cooker Chili recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with protein and fiber from the beans and lean pork, this chili is sure to satisfy your hunger and warm you up from the inside out.

History

Chili is a classic comfort food that has been enjoyed for centuries. The combination of beans, meat, and spices has been a staple in many cultures around the world. This particular recipe adds a twist by using three different types of beans and lean pork, creating a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

1 medium onion, chopped
2 medium garlic cloves, minced
1 cup carrots, chopped
1 tbsp chili powder, medium-hot
1 tsp dried oregano, crushed
1 medium jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped or 1 canned chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, chopped
0.5 tsp table salt
0.5 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
2 lb (907 g) lean pork tenderloin, trimmed of fat and cut into 1 inch chunks
15 oz (425 g) canned black beans, drained and rinsed
15 oz (425 g) canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
15 oz (425 g) canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup canned tomato purée
29 oz (822 g) canned diced tomatoes, with green pepper, celery and onion, undrained
6 oz (170 g) canned tomato paste

How to prepare

In a 5 qt (4.73 liter) (or larger) slow cooker, combine onion, garlic, carrots, chili powder, oregano, chiles, salt, and pepper.
Stir the ingredients.
Add the remaining ingredients.
Stir the mixture again.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on high setting for 6 to 8 hours.

Variations

For a vegetarian option, omit the pork and add extra beans or tofu.
Add diced bell peppers or corn for extra flavor and texture.
Experiment with different types of beans such as cannellini or garbanzo beans.

Notes

Start the chili at a high setting so the ingredients quickly reach a safe temperature. You can reduce the heat to low after 3 to 4 hours, if you prefer.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For a spicier chili, add more chili powder or chopped jalapeños.

- To save time, you can use pre-chopped onions and garlic from the grocery store.

- Make sure to drain and rinse the canned beans to remove excess sodium.

- For a thicker chili, add more tomato paste or cook uncovered for the last hour of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this chili with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions. It pairs well with cornbread or a side salad.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe utilizes the slow cooker method, allowing the flavors to meld together over several hours of cooking. This results in a rich and flavorful chili that is perfect for a cold winter day.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have adobo sauce, you can use chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or hot sauce.

- Feel free to use ground pork or ground turkey instead of cubed pork.

- Substitute the canned beans with dried beans that have been soaked and cooked beforehand.

Make Ahead Tips

This chili can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the chili with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a squeeze of lime juice for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This Three-bean and Pork Slow Cooker Chili pairs well with a light and refreshing beer, such as a pale ale or lager. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a glass of iced tea or lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Three-bean and Pork Slow Cooker Chili contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Three-bean and Pork Slow Cooker Chili contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this Three-bean and Pork Slow Cooker Chili contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this Three-bean and Pork Slow Cooker Chili contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This chili is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

This Three-bean and Pork Slow Cooker Chili is a nutritious and delicious meal that is high in protein and fiber, and low in fat. It is a great option for a healthy and satisfying dinner.

Summary

This Three-bean and Pork Slow Cooker Chili is a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with protein, fiber, and flavor, this chili is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

, it was a chilly autumn day and I was visiting my dear friend Sarah. We were sitting in her cozy kitchen, sipping on hot tea and chatting about our favorite recipes.

Sarah mentioned that she had just made a delicious three-bean and pork slow cooker chili for her family the night before, and I was immediately intrigued. I had never heard of such a dish before, but the description she gave made my mouth water.

I begged her to teach me how to make it, and she graciously agreed. We spent the afternoon chopping vegetables, browning the pork, and adding the beans and spices to the slow cooker. The aroma that filled her kitchen was absolutely divine, and I couldn't wait to try the finished product.

As we sat down to eat the chili, I was blown away by the flavors and textures. The tender chunks of pork melted in my mouth, while the combination of three different beans added a hearty and satisfying element to the dish. The spices were perfectly balanced, giving the chili a depth of flavor that I had never experienced before.

I asked Sarah where she had learned to make such a wonderful recipe, and she explained that it had been passed down through her family for generations. Her mother had taught her how to make it, and she had added her own twist to the recipe over the years.

I knew then and there that I had to make this chili a staple in my own cooking repertoire. I asked Sarah for a copy of the recipe, and she happily handed me a handwritten card with all the ingredients and instructions.

From that day on, I made the three-bean and pork slow cooker chili for my family on a regular basis. It quickly became a favorite among my loved ones, and I found myself making it for special occasions and gatherings with friends.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks to the recipe, adding extra vegetables or experimenting with different types of beans. But the core of the dish – the tender pork, the three types of beans, and the perfect blend of spices – has remained the same.

I have shared the recipe with countless friends and family members, all of whom have raved about its deliciousness. I have even entered it into local cooking contests, where it has won me several blue ribbons and accolades.

The three-bean and pork slow cooker chili has become more than just a recipe to me – it is a symbol of friendship, tradition, and the joy of sharing good food with the ones you love. Every time I make it, I think of Sarah and the wonderful day we spent cooking together in her kitchen.

I am grateful for the opportunity to learn such a delicious and comforting dish, and I hope that one day I can pass it down to my own grandchildren, just as Sarah did for me. Cooking is more than just following a set of instructions – it is about creating memories and connections that last a lifetime. And for me, the three-bean and pork slow cooker chili will always hold a special place in my heart.