Description
Spicy chili con carne delights taste buds with its robust blend of ground beef, beans, and aromatic spices. Rich flavors meld together, creating a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 6 strips bacon (chopped)
- 1 jalapeño (seeded and minced)
- 2 cups beef stock
Beans and Vegetables:
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) kidney beans (drained)
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) pinto beans (drained)
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) black beans (drained)
- 1 red onion (chopped)
- 1 red bell pepper (seeded and chopped)
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) fire-roasted tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 can (6 ounces / 170 grams) tomato paste
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
- Shredded cheese
- Remaining cooked bacon
Instructions
- Render bacon in a large pot over medium heat until golden and crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the rendered fat.
- Sauté onions and bell peppers in bacon drippings until they become translucent and tender, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Brown ground beef in the same pot, breaking it into small crumbles. Carefully drain excess fat using a spoon.
- Incorporate all beans, tomatoes, tomato paste, jalapeño, beef stock, and entire spice collection into the pot. Mix thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Reintroduce approximately 75% of the cooked bacon into the mixture, stirring to integrate flavors.
- Reduce heat to low and allow chili to simmer uncovered for 45-90 minutes, stirring periodically. Add additional beef stock if the mixture becomes too thick.
- When chili reaches desired consistency and depth of flavor, remove from heat. Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with remaining crispy bacon, fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.
Notes
- Bacon Selection: Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispy texture that adds rich depth to the chili.
- Bean Flexibility: Swap beans based on preference or dietary needs, ensuring similar bean sizes for consistent cooking.
- Spice Adjustment: Customize heat levels by increasing or decreasing jalapeño and chili powder quantities to suit individual taste preferences.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Chili tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to meld and intensify during refrigeration, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg