I also use my crockpot to cook 1 lb of pinto beans to make a vegetarian chili, using just a little chili powder,cumin, tomato sauce and season salt to taste and if that's not enough flavor I add a instant pack of chili powder sometimes I add onions,garlic and bell peppers if I have them on hand if not it's still good without them. And on the side I will make a small pan of corn bread to go with it.