Here's a simple chili recipe that I've used for years. Everyone loves it, and it's quick and simple. I use my 6 qt crockpot, and if you use the Reynold's slow cooker liners, clean up is a breeze.
McCormick's Chili Seasoning packets. The amount of chili you want depends on how many you use. For a crockpot full I use three. Mild or spicy, the choice is yours.
Lean ground beef or venison - Amount depends on how many chili packets you use. Use 1 lb per packet. Again, for a full pot, I use 3 lb, since we like our chili meaty.
Canned diced tomatoes - again, use 1 can for each packet.
Canned red kidney beans - we like them so I use 2 cans for a crock pot full.
1 16 oz. jar of your favorite chunky salsa.
Brown ground beef or venison and drain fat. Add to crockpot and just throw in all other ingredients. Combine all well and cook on low 8 hours, or to hurry up the goodness, cook on high for 4 hours. Because of the canned tomatoes, I sometimes find I need to add a little sugar to balance out the acid in the tomatoes, and I will sometimes add a little more chili powder too.
You can sub your favorite beans for the red kidney beans, or leave them out all together and serve this chili over hot dogs topped w/chopped onions and grated cheese for great chili dogs.