Description
A hearty and flavorful chili recipe combining crispy turkey bacon and ground beef with aromatic spices, tomatoes, and kidney beans. Perfectly simmered to develop deep flavors, this chili serves 8 and makes a satisfying meal any time of year.
Ingredients
Scale
Meats
- 1 pound turkey bacon, chopped
- 2 pounds ground beef
Vegetables and Legumes
- 2 medium onions, diced
- 3 cans (28 oz each) diced tomatoes and tomato sauce
- 2 cans (15 oz each) red kidney beans, drained
Spices and Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 3-4 tablespoons tomato paste
Liquids
- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
Instructions
- Cook Turkey Bacon: In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the chopped turkey bacon until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and reserve the rendered grease in the pot.
- Brown Ground Beef: Using the same pot and reserved bacon grease, brown the ground beef thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper as desired, then remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Add Spices: In the reserved grease, sauté the diced onions until they become translucent and tender. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, and tomato paste, cooking for 1-2 minutes to release their flavors.
- Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors.
- Return Meats and Add Beans and Broth: Add the cooked turkey bacon and browned ground beef back into the pot along with the drained kidney beans and beef or vegetable broth. Mix everything thoroughly.
- Final Simmer: Allow the chili to simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This final simmer thickens the chili and blends all flavors perfectly. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the chili powder.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a leaner version.
- Adjust the amount of broth to achieve your desired chili thickness.
- Make chili a day ahead to deepen the flavors; it reheats beautifully.
- Serve with sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or cornbread for a complete meal.
