Description
A comforting chili recipe that combines ground beef and crispy bacon with a blend of spices for a smoky, hearty dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 6–8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (optional)
- 1–2 cups beef stock or dark beer
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp cocoa powder or brewed espresso
- 1–2 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Cooking oil if needed
- Optional garnishes: chopped scallions, cilantro, shredded cheddar, sour cream, lime wedges
Instructions
- Chop the bacon and set aside. Dice the onion and pepper, and mince the garlic. Open cans and measure spices.
- Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat, and add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, then reserve most for topping and leave fat in the pot.
- Increase heat to medium-high, add ground beef in an even layer, season with salt and pepper, and brown thoroughly.
- Reduce heat to medium, add diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté until onions are translucent, about 6–8 minutes. Add minced garlic and tomato paste; cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Sprinkle in chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and oregano. Toast spices for 30–45 seconds, then deglaze with beef stock or beer.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, cocoa powder or espresso, and brown sugar. Bring to a low simmer.
- Return half of the reserved bacon to the pot. Cover partially and simmer for at least 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust salt, heat, and sweetness. Serve hot with garnishes.
Notes
For a bean chili, add two cans of drained beans towards the end of cooking. For a vegetarian version, use mushrooms and lentils instead of beef.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: chili, ground beef, bacon, comfort food, hearty meal
