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A wooden bowl is full of the BEST chili, topped with shredded cheddar and cilantro, drizzled with sour cream. Beside it is a half lime and fritos scoops.

The BEST Chili

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The BEST Chili is rich and wonderfully savory, with so many layers of flavor that build together in the same pot. And, it has just a tiny bit of heat.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 597

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 8 oz bacon
  • 1 onion
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 jalapeno (seeded, minced)
  • 1 red bell pepper (diced)
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp chipotle chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp oregano
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 14.5 oz fire roasted diced tomatoes (1 can, with juices)
  • 15 oz red kidney beans (1 can, drained and rinsed)
  • 15 oz pinto beans (1 can, drained and rinsed)
  • cups beef broth
  • 1 tsp cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp soy sauce
  • salt to taste
  • fresh lime juice (for serving)

Method
 

  1. Place a large pot over medium-high heat on the stove. Cut the bacon into ¼" strips, then add it to the pot. Cook until crispy.
  2. Dice the vegetables and mince the garlic while the bacon cooks. Then, set the bacon aside and drain all but 1 tbsp of grease.
  3. Add the beef to the same pot, cook and crumble. Sprinkle in the chili powders, oregano, and cumin while it is still slightly pink. Add the diced onion and bell pepper when the beef is fully brown. Then, add the garlic and jalapeno and cook for one more minute.
  4. While finishing the ground beef, open the cans and drain and rinse the beans. Then, add the bacon and all of the remaining ingredients except for the soy sauce, salt, and lime juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  5. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, add the soy sauce and salt to taste before simmering the final 10 minutes. Prep the toppings while it finishes cooking and cools for serving. Finish with a squeeze of lime in each bowl and add desired toppings!

Nutrition

Calories: 597kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 33gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 79mgSodium: 864mgPotassium: 1133mgFiber: 14gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1914IUVitamin C: 34mgCalcium: 122mgIron: 7mg

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