Steak and Black Bean Crock Pot Chili

It's been a while since I've posted a recipe.  Life has become hectic between the kids, work, the husband and my new little  play dough business (Love Bubs Scented Play Dough- check it out!).  So, trying out new recipes have taken a bit of a back seat.

I do apologize.

A big change that has happened in our house is that Abe got braces today.  He had bite issues that was causing some issues, so after a lot of thought and consultation, poor Abe had to get braces at the young age of 45.  Brought me back to, um, middle school.

Since he can't eat and we had a defrosted steak that needed to be used up, I searched for a way to cook the steak down enough that Mr. Brace Face (don't worry, he lets me use that term) could eat.

And yes, it's the first day of July and I'm making chili.  Crazy lady.  But it was a cold and rainy July 1st, so I think I got away with it.

The chili was a hit with both Abe and the kids.  Ava actually licked her bowl and she's been hard to get any food in her belly lately.  So, that's a good sign.    The meat sort of shreds and blends into the chili and Abe said there was a good balance of spices.  

Serve with sour cream, shredded cheese and jalapeno, if you like it spicy.  Corn muffins and a green salad would be a yummy addition, too.

I got the recipe from Food.com.

Steak and Black Bean Crock Pot Chili
Serves 6

2 lbs boneless beef cubes, for stew
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 large onion, chopped
1 large green pepper, chopped
2 (15 ounce) cans black beans
2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans chili-style chopped tomatoes
1 teaspoon sugar
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
salt and pepper, to taste
sour cream
shredded cheddar cheese

Cut the beef into 1-inch cubes.

1. Place beef in slow cooker and turn it on low.

2. Sprinkle the chili powder, garlic powder and cumin over the meat.

3. Add onion and green pepper.

4. Drain and rinse the cans of beans and add them to the slow cooker.Add tomatoes and sugar.

5. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours.

6. Uncover and sir in the tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper.

7. Garnish with sour cream and cheddar cheese.

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Yummy Black Bean Soup

Image via Google

I love a good black bean soup.  Warm, hearty, tasty and I don't feel guilty if I go back for a second bowl (and then another one in the evening). 

Abe's been watching his waistline again, so after indulging in some less-than-healthy food the day before, he requested a healthy dinner the next morning.  And I happily agreed.  Until it was about 30 minutes before he was to come home and I had forgotten about dinner.  Oops.

A bit panicked, I remembered I had a bunch of black beans in the freezer.  So, black bean soup it was.  I looked around for a recipe that would be a bit different than the sometimes bland ones I've made in the past.  I hit the jackpot with this one! I think it's the best black bean soup I've made in a while.

So easy and so yummy.  The celery seed and cumin add a bit of a twist and you can spice it up or keep is on the mild side for the kids by reducing the pepper flakes, like I did.  A bottle of hot sauce at the table will let the braver ones add more heat.

Full of fiber and protein, this will stick to your ribs during a cold night.  It freezes well, too, so double up and you'll have dinner waiting for you the next time you're like me and forget to cook. 

I served with a leafy green salad.

Recipe from Melissa D'Arabian.

Yummy Black Bean Soup 
Serves 4-6

2 celery stalks, chopped

1 carrot, chopped
1 onion, chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon celery seeds
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups cooked black beans
1 tablespoon vegetarian (or chicken bouillon base)
1 bay leaf
One 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

 

Cook the celery, carrots and onions in the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the oregano, cumin, red pepper flakes, celery seeds and garlic and cook until fragrant. Add the black beans, bouillon, bay leaf and tomatoes, and enough water to cover by an inch or two (about 3 cups). Simmer for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours, adding water if needed. Season and serve.