Easy Beef Chili
Ingredients:
-6 strips of bacon or turkey bacon
-1 red onion, diced
-1 red bell pepper, diced
-1 jalapeno, diced
-1 pound of ground beef
-15 oz of kidney beans
-15 oz of black beans
-15 oz of canned fire roasted tomatoes
-1 can of tomato paste
-2 cups of beef broth
-Oregano
-Cumin
-Chili powder
-Liquid smoke
-Salt
-Pepper
-Garlic
-Garlic powder
-Onion powder
-Smoked paprika
Toppings:
-Shredded cheese
-sliced jalapeno
-sour cream or plain greek yogurt
Directions:
In a large pot, cook your bacon to desired crispiness. Remove and set aside.
Add the onion, jalapeno, bell pepper, and garlic to the pan and cook down until soft in the bacon grease.
Add in your seasonings measured with your heart and tomato paste, blooming the spices together with tomato paste.
Add in your ground beef and cook until browned. Season again.
Add in your beans, fire roasted tomatoes, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer and add in liquid smoke to taste, and return the bacon to the pot, mixing in fully. Re-season this layer to taste.
Allow to simmer for 10-15 minutes, and serve.
Easy beef chili is a classic comfort food that combines hearty ingredients and bold spices to create a flavorful and satisfying dish. This recipe uses a delicious blend of ground beef and bacon for a rich, smoky base. Bacon not only adds a crispy texture but also infuses the chili with savory depth, making it more appetizing. The inclusion of both kidney beans and black beans boosts the protein and fiber content, making the chili nutritious and filling. The fire roasted tomatoes introduce a subtle smoky flavor that complements the liquid smoke and smoked paprika, enhancing the overall richness without overpowering the dish. This chili balances heat and smokiness with fresh diced jalapeno, which adds a lively kick. Seasonings like oregano, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder bring complexity to the flavor profile, allowing you to customize the intensity to your liking. Cooking the vegetables in bacon grease unlocks their natural sweetness and deepens the flavor foundation. For a perfect finish, toppings such as shredded cheese, sliced jalapeno, and sour cream or plain Greek yogurt add creaminess and contrast, creating the ideal mouthfeel. This chili can be easily prepared in one pot, making it a convenient and delicious meal option for busy weeknights. In addition to its great taste, chili offers nutritional benefits including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from peppers and tomatoes. Using turkey bacon is a favorable option for those seeking a leaner alternative without sacrificing flavor. This easy beef chili recipe is versatile and lends itself well to meal prepping or freezing for future meals. Whether served alone or paired with cornbread or rice, it’s a satisfying dish that warms the soul and pleases the palate. Experiment with toppings and spice levels to make this chili your own signature comfort food.
