One of my favorite fall and winter meals is a nice bowl of chili. It's comfort food at its finest. A bowl filled with a seasoned mixture of meat, beans, and whatever else you have on hand, topped with whatever your heart desires... yum!

My mom used to make chili for dinner year-round, and I always looked forward to chili night. My husband's not a big fan of chili, mainly because of the beans, so we don't have it very often. A few weeks ago, I was really craving some fall flavors, so I grabbed my crockpot, and a few ingredients, and made a delicious batch of chili that I was able to enjoy for several meals.

Making your own chili at home is so easy. Anyone can do it! If you have a slow cooker or a big pot that you can simmer on the stove for a while, you're all set to make a hearty batch of chili.

1 lb ground meat (beef, chicken, turkey), browned

2 cans of beans of choice (I used black beans and kidney beans)

2 small cans of tomato sauce (plain)

1 can of tomato paste

1/4 cup diced onions

1/4 cup diced green or bell pepper

1 package of chili seasoning

Add all ingredients to your crockpot and stir together.

You might choose to add a little water to thin out the tomato flavor, but I find that I usually don't need to add any water.

Place the lid on the crock pot and cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 4-6 hours.

Chili may not look like the most appetizing meal in the world, but it's so good and flavorful. If you don't like beans, you could absolutely leave them out, and just make your chili with whatever protein you like. Veggie chili is also incredibly delicious! There are so many wonderful chili recipes out there, I can't wait to try some others. This is the recipe my mom always uses, so I tend to follow hers. It's easy, and it's yummy!

My favorite way to enjoy chili is with a nice slice of cornbread, and cheddar cheese mixed in. Another way I like to eat chili, is to add cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips! That's the great thing about having leftover chili- you don't have to eat it the same way twice if you don't want to! Throw it on a baked potato, add it to a hamburger or hotdog. The possibilities are endless!

Chili stays good in the fridge for up to five days, so enjoy those leftovers! I take it with me for lunch sometimes, and even if I have to eat lunch in the car while I'm in line to pick the kids up, it travels well and is great for a quick and mostly healthy meal.

Chili is an awesome meal to make and share. If you know someone who could use a meal, make a big batch of chili. and split it so you can share it with someone who could use a little comfort and care. Be sure to deliver various toppings or some freshly baked cornbread or muffins with the meal.

Freeze it! Chili freezes well, too, and can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Freeze some of your leftovers so you'll have an easy meal, ready to go, anytime you need it.

Now that I've talked about this delicious meal, I feel like I need to add it to my meal plan again. I can't wait to make a new batch of chili and enjoy it! 

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