Description
This hearty and flavorful chili recipe combines turkey bacon, ground beef, and a blend of spices simmered with tomatoes and kidney beans. Perfect for a comforting meal, it’s easy to make and serves eight generous portions.
Ingredients
Scale
Meats
- 1 pound turkey bacon, chopped
- 2 pounds ground beef
Vegetables & Legumes
- 2 medium onions, diced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) red kidney beans, drained
Seasonings & Sauces
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 3-4 tablespoons tomato paste
Liquids & Canned Goods
- 3 cans (28 oz each) diced tomatoes and tomato sauce
- 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 it becomes crispy. Reserve the rendered grease in the pot for cooking the next ingredients.
- Brown ground beef: In the same pot with the reserved turkey bacon grease, add the ground beef. Brown the meat thoroughly, seasoning as desired. Once cooked, remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté onions and add seasonings: Using the reserved grease, sauté the diced onions in the pot until they become translucent. Then add the cumin, chili powder, and tomato paste, stirring to combine and develop flavor.
- Add tomatoes and simmer: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their sauce, stirring the mixture well. Bring it to a simmer to meld the flavors together.
- Combine meats, beans, and broth: Return the cooked turkey bacon and ground beef to the pot. Add the drained kidney beans and beef or vegetable broth. Stir everything thoroughly to combine.
- Final simmer: Let the chili simmer gently for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to marry. Serve warm with desired toppings such as cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
Notes
- Using turkey bacon adds a smoky flavor with less fat compared to traditional bacon.
- Adjust chili powder level based on spice preference.
- For a thicker chili, reduce the amount of broth or simmer longer.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors deepen.
- Optional toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, or fresh cilantro.
