Welcome to my cozy kitchen! Have you ever found yourself staring into your pantry, wondering what on earth to whip up for dinner that’s both satisfying and simple to make? We’ve all been there, haven’t we? Well, that is a problem we can easily solve! Today we are creating Hominy Taco Chili.

This easy recipe uses pantry staples, cooks in the crock pot and is a wonderful blend of flavors, textures, and aromas. It’s perfect for those days when you crave something warm and comforting and a little bit spicy. So, shall we get started?

The Recipe: Hominy Taco Chili

Ingredients

Let’s gather what we need. Here’s a list to make your shopping or pantry-scavenging a breeze. This looks like a lot of ingredients, but this recipe makes a big batch of chili!

1 pound of ground beef or ground turkey
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (15 oz each) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cans (15 oz each) hominy, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 packet taco seasoning mix
1 packet dry ranch dressing mix
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 cup beef broth or water
1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the ground beef or ground turkey

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or ground turkey with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir occasionally until the meat is fully cooked and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess fat.

I pre-cook ground turkey and store it in the freezer in one-pound portions. This saves tons of time. Grampy also chops onions using our handy slap chopper and freezes them in portions as well.

Step 2: Mix up the Magic

Transfer the cooked beef mixture to your trusty slow cooker. If you don’t have one yet, maybe this is the perfect time to invest in this kitchen hero! Add the diced tomatoes with their juices, hominy, black beans, pinto beans, corn, tomato sauce, taco seasoning, dry ranch dressing mix, and cumin to the slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth or water. Stir everything together until well combined. If you like a less thick chili, you can add a bit more broth or water.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and set your slow cooker to low. Let it simmer for 6 to 8 hours. This is the beauty of slow cooking: you can set it and forget it, letting the flavors meld and develop while you go about your day.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Once the cooking time is up, give it a taste. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. Serve hot, topped with your favorite taco toppings like shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, black olives or a dollop of sour cream.

Recipe Variations

Variety is the spice of life, isn’t it? Here are a few twists you can try:

Vegetarian Taco Chili: Skip the meat and double up on the beans. Add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for more texture and flavor.
Spicy Kick Taco Chili: Add jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper, chili powder or hot sauce if you’re feeling adventurous.
Cheesy Taco Chili: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a creamy touch.
Change Up the Beans: You can substitute kidney beans for the black beans or pinto beans if you prefer.

Serving Suggestions

Wondering what to pair with your Hominy Taco Chili? Try these ideas:

Cornbread: A slice of warm, buttery cornbread makes a perfect companion. Here’s my favorite recipe!
Tortilla Chips: Use them to scoop up the chili, or crumble them on top for a crunchy texture.
Rice: Serve the chili over a bed of fluffy rice to make it even more filling.
Frito Pie Style: Place corn chips in the bottom of your bowl, add chili and top with shredded cheese, onions, lettuce and tomato.

Storage and Freezing Leftovers

One of the best things about making a big batch of hominy taco chili is having leftovers. Store any extra chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Want to save it for later? Freeze portions in freezer bags or a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

The Slow Cooker Advantage

Before I let you go, let’s take a moment to appreciate our slow cooker. Isn’t it just a marvel? It saves you time by allowing you to prep your meal in the morning and return home to a delicious, ready-to-eat dinner. And let’s not forget how it saves money! By using affordable ingredients and making large batches, you can enjoy home-cooked meals without breaking the bank.

Having a collection of easy recipes like this Hominy Taco Chili ensures that even on the busiest of days, you can put a hearty meal on the table. Homemaking on a budget is all about finding joy in the little things and cherishing the comfort of a home-cooked meal. So, next time you’re wondering what to cook, remember this recipe and let it bring a little warmth to your day.

If you’re looking for other warm and cozy recipes, you may like our Beef Nacho Casserole, or our Ham and Green Chile Breakfast Casserole.

Until next time, happy cooking! 😊

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