A Savvy Recipe - Budget Gourmet Mom's Chili Con Carne

I was so excited when I found Krista's Budget Gourmet Mom Blog!  I love her easy, no-nonsense recipes which follow local Utah grocery ads.  I asked her to share one of her fabulous pantry recipes with my readers.  Make sure you check out Budget Gourmet.  I'm sure you'll love it as much as I do. (I LOVE her food photos as well - they make me drool!)

I am a busy stay-at-home mom (kinda redundant, I know) trying to balance family and gourmet food on a budget.  I live with four handsome boys...five, if you include my husband!

I began blogging 2 years ago after my third son was born as a way to connect to other moms out there and to have a creative outlet for my cooking.  Never could I have imagined the lessons and tips I would learn in the process or that I would have another son during my journey which is where the "budget" comes into play!  I have discovered my strengths, weaknesses, and a desire to serve my family healthy meals while staying on a budget.  It's not always easy but definitely doable!

I am so excited to be here on Savvy Life and The Savvy Shopper to share everyday recipes that may help you provide gourmet food to your family while cooking on a budget!  My first recipe is for Chili con Carne...a spicy, filling, and very inexpensive meal!

Every couple of months, in Utah at least, there are several grocery stores who have a case lot sale. It is my favorite time to restock my pantry with canned fruit, vegetables, baking supplies, and canned beans! I feel a sense of calm knowing that my family can live on what is stored in our pantry if there were ever the loss of income, natural disaster, or one week where I simply can not get the grocery store...I know you have those weeks! My recipe for Chili con Carne uses many of the ingredients I have on hand. It is simple, flavorful, and the best part is you can make it ahead of time!

Spicy Chili con Carne

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 tblsp vegetable/canola oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1-2 jalapeño peppers, chopped with or without seeds
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 2 tblsp chili powder
• 1 tblsp chipotle chili pepper
• 2 14 oz cans diced tomatoes
• 1 15 oz can corn, drained
• 1 14 oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 14 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 8 oz can tomato sauce

In a large skillet heat the oil and add the ground meat. Brown the meat then add the onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, and garlic. Good for 2-3 minutes and add the spices. In a crock pot mix the rest of the ingredients. Pour the meat mixture into the beans, corn, and tomato and stir. Cook in the crockpot on low for 6 hours.

Cooks side note: You could put this chili together in a large pot, heat, and serve it immediately if you needed to. If you do throw it together quickly make sure to cook the vegetables for about 7 minutes.

Wal Mart has the best price I have found for Chipotle Chili Pepper and I LOVE this spice! I have used it in numerous recipes to have smoky heat including adding it to mayo for burgers.