Tex - Mex Chili in a Crock Pot served with Queso, Cornbread Croutons and Garnishes

I love Tex - Mex recipes and this version of a spicy Chili is delicious.

Here's what you need:
A Large Crock Pot
An 8" X 8" Baking Pan, Sprayed with a Vegetable Cooking Spray.
A Sheet Pan lined with Parchment Paper. (for the Croutons)
Preheat the Oven to 400 degrees for the Croutons.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees for the Croutons.
These can be made a day ahead and stored at room temperature in a covered container.

Chili Ingredients:

1 TBS Olive Oil
2 Cloves of Garlic, minced.
1 Large Yellow Onion, diced.
2 lbs of Gimme Lean  Ground Beef and Ground Sausage. ( 1 pound of each)
2 TBS Chili Powder
1 TBS Cumin
1 TBS Coriander
1 TBS Garlic
1 TBS Smoked Paprika
1 - 15 oz. Can of Black Beans, drained.
1 - 15 oz. Can of Kidney Beans, drained.
2 - 15 oz. Cans of Fire Roasted Tomatoes, undrained.
1 - Green Bell Pepper, diced.
1 - Red Bell Pepper, diced.
2 - Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce
3 C  Vegetarian Better Than Bouillon No Beef Base

Queso Ingredients:

3 TBS Butter
3 TBS Flour
1 C Whole Milk
3/4 C Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Crouton Ingredients:

1 C Yellow Cornmeal
1 C Flour
1/3 C Granular Sugar
2 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Salt
1 Large Egg
1/4 C Vegetable Oil
1 Fresh Jalapeño, seeded and diced.
1 C Whole Milk

Garnishes:
Cornbread Croutons
Sour Cream
Broken Tortilla Chips
A Can of Pickled Jalapeño Nacho Slices
Salsa

Chili:

In a Skillet in Medium High Heat:

Oil, until hot.
Add:
Onion
Garlic
Beef and Sausage
Salt and Pepper to taste.
Stir to Combine Well.
Cook until well done.

In the Crock Pot:
Beef and Onion Mixture

Add:
Chile Powder
Cumin
Coriander
Garlic
Paprika
Black Beans
Kidney Beans
Tomatoes
Green Pepper
Red Pepper
Chipotle Peppers
Broth
Stir to Combine Well.

Cover and Cook on Low for 6 - 8 hours or on High for 3 - 4 hours.


Make the Queso:

In a Saucepan on Medium Heat:
Butter, until melted.

Add:
Flour
Whisk well to create a Roux.

Add:
Milk
Whisk Well.

As it Thickens, continue Cooking for 3 minutes.
Whisk often.

Add:
Cheese
Continue Whisking until it's Creamy Smooth.
Remove from Heat and Set Aside.
When it Cools, transfer to a Serving Bowl.


Croutons:

In a Large Mixing Bowl:
Cornmeal
Flour
Sugar
Baking Powder
Salt
Egg
Oil
Jalapeno
Milk
Stir by Hand until Well Combined.

Spoon into the Baking Dish.
Bake 15 - 20 minutes, until Golden Brown.
Remove Pan to a Rack to Cool Completely.
Invert onto a Flat Surface and Cut into Crouton Sized Cubes.

If you want the Croutons Toasted, Scatter them on the Sheet Pan, return to the
400 Degree Oven for 10 - 15 minutes.
Toss once, half way through.
Store them in a covered container at room temperature until ready to serve.

Ladle the Chili into Individual Bowls and Top with your favorite Garnishes.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!