Another “Crockpot or Not” Chili

a mild flavorful chili… (includes a little cocoa powder & brown sugar…can use specialty diced tomatoes w green chilies/fire roasted tomatoes….)

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 – 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 -2 white or yellow onion finely chopped
• 2 Tblsp Canola Oil
• 114.5 oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes fire roasted
• 1 15 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1 8oz can tomato sauce
• 2-3 Tblsp chili powder or more
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp cocoa powder
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 2 cups water
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (optional)
• 1-2 15 ounce cans kidney beans (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large dutch oven or stove top pot, saute onions in canola oil.
2. And ground beef and brown.
3. Stir in rest of ingredients except beans.
4. Bring to slight boil. 
5. Add ground beef mixture to slow cooker ( or not, simmer on stove, covered for 2 hours.)
6. For the slow cooker, cover and cook on LOW heat for 5 – 6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours. .
7. about 15 minutes prior to serving, cook beans in separate sauce pan and allow to heat through.
8. Serve warm with desired toppings.