Introduction
Indulging in a hearty bowl of chili is a classic comfort food experience that many cherish. This recipe for a flavorful, rich chili combines ground beef, crispy bacon, and a variety of spices to create a perfect blend of tastes and textures. With the addition of beans and vibrant veggies, it’s not just satisfying but also nourishing. Whether you’re serving it up on a chilly evening or as a gathering dish, this chili recipe promises to delight your taste buds.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
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, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30–45 minutes (or longer for best flavor)
Total Time: 45 minutes to 2 hours (including simmering time)
Yield: Serves approximately 6-8 people
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Season the ground beef
In a bowl, evenly season the 1½ pounds of ground beef with 2 teaspoons of salt. Mix well and set aside for later.
2. Cook the bacon
In a large Dutch oven, heat over medium-high heat. Add the 6 slices of bacon that have been cut into small pieces. Cook until the bacon is crispy. Once done, remove the bacon pieces and place them on paper towels to drain excess grease. Leave about 1–2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot for added flavor.
3. Sauté vegetables
In the same pot with the bacon fat, add the diced ½ onion, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced 1 jalapeño, and the optional minced 4 carrots. Sauté these ingredients until they soften and become fragrant, approximately 5–7 minutes.
4. Brown the ground beef
Add the seasoned ground beef to the pot. Sprinkle in the 2½ tablespoons of chili powder, 2 tablespoons of cumin, 1 tablespoon of oregano, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Cook the mixture, breaking up the beef as it browns, until there is no pink remaining, about 8–10 minutes.
5. Incorporate tomato paste
Stir in 3–4 tablespoons of tomato paste. Allow it to cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently to mix well with the meat and vegetables.
6. Add remaining ingredients
Pour in the 28-ounce can of fire-roasted crushed tomatoes, the 2 cans (14-ounce each) of rinsed and drained beans, and 2 cups of beef or chicken broth. Also, add the cooked bacon back into the pot. Stir the mixture until everything is well combined.
7. Simmer the chili
Bring the mixture to a low simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer over low heat for at least 30–45 minutes; however, if you have the time, simmering for 2 hours or more will help the flavors develop even further. If the chili thickens too much, you can add additional broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
8. Serve the chili
Once ready, serve the chili hot. Allow guests to add their choice of toppings such as avocado, cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, red onion, and cilantro.
Notes
Storage
Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Customization
Feel free to adjust the level of spiciness by using more or fewer jalapeños or adding hot sauce to taste.
Vegetarian option
For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or additional beans and omit bacon. Adjust the broth accordingly for flavor.
Cook techniques
Seasoning
Season the ground beef with salt to enhance flavor before cooking. Proper seasoning at the start lays the groundwork for a tasty dish.
Browning
Brown the ground beef until fully cooked. This step adds depth of flavor through the Maillard reaction, creating a rich base for your chili.
Cooking bacon
Cook bacon pieces until crispy in a Dutch oven. This not only provides delicious fat for cooking the vegetables but also adds a smoky flavor to the dish.
Sautéing
Sauté diced onion, minced garlic, jalapeño, and optional carrots in the bacon fat until softened and fragrant. This technique infuses the dish with aromatic flavors.
Simmering
Allow the chili to simmer over low heat for at least 30–45 minutes, preferably longer. This slow cooking melds flavors and thickens the chili.
Adjusting consistency
If the chili becomes too thick, add additional broth or water to reach your desired consistency. This technique ensures that the chili isn’t overly dense.
FAQ
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative, but it may require additional seasoning for flavor.
What types of beans can I use?
You can use any combination of beans such as black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas based on your preference.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
Substitute ground beef with textured vegetable protein (TVP) or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth.
Can I prepare this chili in advance?
Yes, chili can be made in advance. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
What toppings work best with this chili?
Popular toppings include avocado, cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, red onion, and cilantro for added flavor and texture.
Conclusion
This hearty chili is perfect for gatherings, comforting on chilly days, and offers a delightful blend of flavors thanks to the combination of spices, bacon, and vegetables. The optional toppings add a personalized touch, making each serving unique. Enjoy this satisfying dish with family and friends!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetarian Chili
Substitute the ground beef and bacon with a mix of mushrooms, lentils, and additional vegetables such as bell peppers and zucchini.
Spicy Beef Tacos
Use the chili as a filling for tacos. Top with diced onions, cilantro, and avocado for a flavorful twist.
Chili Mac
Mix the chili with cooked macaroni and cheese for a comforting pasta dish.
Stuffed Peppers
Use the chili as a filling for bell peppers, bake until the peppers are tender, and top with cheese.
Chili Nachos
Layer tortilla chips with chili, cheese, jalapeños, and your choice of toppings for a delicious nacho platter.
