Introduction
When it comes to comforting meals, few dishes rival a hearty chili. This recipe brings together the rich flavors of ground beef, crispy bacon, and bold spices, creating a dish that’s perfect for cold evenings or gatherings with friends. Adding toppings such as avocado, cheese, and sour cream elevates the dish, making it not just a meal but a delightful experience.
Ingredients
2 teaspoons salt
1½ pounds ground beef
6 slices bacon, cut into small pieces
½ onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeño, minced
4 carrots, minced (optional)
2½ tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons cumin
1 tablespoon oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
3–4 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (28-ounce) can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
2 (14-ounce) cans beans, rinsed and drained (e.g., black beans and pinto beans)
2 cups beef or chicken broth (plus more to thin as needed)
Toppings: avocado, cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, red onion, cilantro
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30–45 minutes (preferably 2 hours or more)
Total Time
45–60 minutes (not including optional simmering)
Yield
Serves 6-8
Enjoy this savory chili recipe that combines the warmth of spices with a variety of textures – from the crispy bacon to the smoothness of the beans. Perfect for feeding a crowd or saving for leftovers!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Mix salt with ground beef in a bowl until evenly distributed. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add bacon pieces. Cook until crispy, about 5–7 minutes. Remove bacon from the pot and place it on paper towels to drain excess fat. Leave 1–2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot for added flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, jalapeño, and optional minced carrots to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the seasoned ground beef to the pot. Cook for 7–10 minutes or until the beef is fully browned, stirring occasionally to break up any clumps.
Step 5: Toast the Spices
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and garlic powder. Cook for 1–2 minutes to allow the spices to become fragrant and toast slightly.
Step 6: Incorporate the Tomato Paste
Add tomato paste to the pot and stir well. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Step 7: Add the Remaining Ingredients
Pour in the fire-roasted crushed tomatoes, rinsed and drained beans, beef or chicken broth, and the cooked bacon. Stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
Step 8: Simmer the Chili
Bring the mixture to a low simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook over low heat for at least 30–45 minutes, preferably up to 2 hours or more, to develop the flavors. Stir occasionally, adding more broth if the chili becomes too thick.
Step 9: Serve Hot
Once the chili has cooked to your liking, serve it hot in bowls and top with your choice of toppings such as avocado, cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, red onion, and cilantro.
Notes
Optional Ingredients
Feel free to adjust the vegetable ingredients based on personal preference. The carrots are optional but can add sweetness and texture.
Adjusting Thickness
If the chili gets too thick, don’t hesitate to add more broth to reach your desired consistency.
Topping Variations
Experiment with various toppings to suit your taste. Adding a squeeze of lime juice can enhance freshness.
Cook techniques
Seasoning Ground Beef
Mix salt with ground beef to enhance its flavor. Allow it to rest for a few minutes to let the seasoning penetrate the meat.
Crisping Bacon
Cook bacon pieces in a Dutch oven until crispy. This adds flavor and texture to the dish. Drain excess fat, leaving a couple of tablespoons for sautéing vegetables.
Sautéing Aromatics
Add diced onion, minced garlic, jalapeño, and minced carrots to the bacon fat. Sauté until soft and fragrant, which builds the base flavor for the chili.
Browning Meat
After sautéing the aromatics, add the seasoned ground beef and cook until fully browned. This step adds depth and richness to the chili.
Toasting Spices
Add chili powder, cumin, oregano, and garlic powder to the browned meat. Cook for 1–2 minutes to enhance their flavors through toasting.
Incorporating Tomato Paste
Stir in tomato paste and cook for another 2–3 minutes. This step intensifies the flavor of the tomatoes in the chili.
Building the Chili Base
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, rinsed beans, and broth. Combine all ingredients thoroughly for a well-flavored chili.
Simmering
Bring the mixture to a low simmer. Cover and let it cook over low heat for at least 30–45 minutes, or longer if possible, to allow the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally, adjusting consistency with additional broth as necessary.
Serving with Toppings
Serve the chili hot with your choice of toppings like avocado, cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, red onion, and cilantro for added flavor and texture.
FAQ
Can I use different types of beans?
Yes, you can use any type of beans you prefer, such as kidney beans or garbanzo beans, based on your taste or what you have available.
How can I make the chili spicier?
You can add more jalapeño or include additional chili powder or hot sauce to increase the heat level.
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Absolutely, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or simply use more beans and vegetables for a hearty vegetarian version.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
What toppings do you recommend?
Popular toppings include avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, crispy tortilla chips, diced red onion, and fresh cilantro.
Conclusion
This hearty chili, packed with flavors from spices, vegetables, and savory ingredients, offers a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. The blend of ground beef, bacon, and beans creates a robust texture and taste, while the optional toppings provide an excellent finishing touch. Enjoy it alone or with friends for a delightful culinary experience.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetarian Chili
Replace the ground beef and bacon with mushrooms, lentils, or extra beans, and add diced bell peppers for a vegetarian version that retains all the flavor.
Spicy Taco Soup
Modify the chili recipe by adding corn, diced tomatoes with chilies, and taco seasoning for a spicier, soup-like variation.
Chili Mac
Combine this chili with cooked macaroni and a handful of cheese for a comforting chili mac dish loved by both kids and adults.
Chili Stuffed Peppers
Use the chili as a filling for halved bell peppers, top with cheese, and bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
Chili Nachos
Layer tortilla chips with the chili and top with cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream for a delicious and fun nacho dish perfect for game day.
