Alex Guarnaschelli's Slow Cooker Chili

Alex Guarnaschelli's slow-cooker chili is a lesson in not letting the crockpot do all of the work. The move that sets it apart is browning the beef and aromatics on the stovetop first — building a deep, savory fond — before everything goes low and slow for the day. Two smaller touches are pure Guarnaschelli: a pinch of allspice for warmth you can't quite place, and a splash of red wine vinegar at the end to snap everything into focus. The result is a chili with the long-simmered depth of a recipe you fussed over, from one you mostly walked away from.

Scallions, sharp cheddar, and sour cream are the classic finish.

That final vinegar is the secret — taste before and after and you'll feel it lift the whole pot. Ground turkey works for a lighter version; keep the allspice and vinegar either way, since they're what make it Alex's.