Slow Cooker Red Bean Sausage Chili

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♼ Recipe origin is unknown. Slow cooker red bean sausage chili recipe, recipe Rating: 4.5
Number of votes:107

Any chili that starts with bacon drippings is destined for an excellent finish–from the slow cooker to the plate to a very satisfied you. Inspired by kewljt’s “King’s Chili”

Ready in: 8 hours 10 mins

Ingredients

Serves: 8

• 2 large yellow onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons bacon drippings
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 pound bulk spicy Italian sausage
• 2 pounds ground beef chuck
• 1 cup water
• 6 tablespoons chili seasoning
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin (optional)
• 2 (15 ounce) cans light red kidney beans
• 2 (15 ounce) cans dark red kidney beans or pinto beans
• 1 (64 ounce) bottle tomato juice
• 32 ounces water

Preparation method

Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 8 hours

1. Melt bacon fat in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook onions in hot drippings for about 8 minutes, then add salt and sausage. Cook over high heat until sausage is browned thoroughly. Drain, then add beef and cook until beef is also thoroughly browned.

2. Transfer beef and sausage mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add remaining ingredients, cover, and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours. Stir once, about halfway through cooking time.Tip

To thicken the chili, combine 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Slowly stir cornstarch mixture into stew with slow cooker set to HIGH, then repeat until desired thickness is reached.

Alternate Method

Cook on HIGH for 4 hours.