The Best Chili (Award Winning!)
Ingredients
- 5 strips uncooked bacon, chopped
- 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably 90% lean)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ancho chili powder
- 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
- 1¼ cups beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can dark red kidney beans, lightly rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, lightly rinsed and drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (7 oz) can fire-roasted green chiles
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Toppings (optional): sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, corn chips
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Slotted spoon
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Can opener
- Paper towels
- Ladle
- Stovetop
Instructions
- 1
Cook bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate; drain all but about 1½ tablespoons bacon grease.
- 2
Add onion and red bell pepper; cook until softened, 3–5 minutes.
- 3
Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- 4
Add ground beef; cook, breaking it up, until about 50% browned.
- 5
Stir in brown sugar, chili powder, ancho chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne.
- 6
Add beef broth, kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, green chiles, tomato paste, Worcestershire, and the cooked bacon; stir well.
- 7
Bring to a boil for 1–2 minutes, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 8
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve with desired toppings.
Recipe notes
- Bacon: For extra flavor, keep the bacon; to omit, start with 1½ tablespoons oil instead of bacon grease.
- Spice level: The cayenne makes it mildly spicy; increase to ¼ teaspoon (or more) for more heat.
- Meat options: 90% lean ground beef is recommended, but ground turkey or chicken can be substituted (flavor will vary).
- Toppings: Sour cream, cheddar, and corn chips add great texture and creaminess.