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Cozy Slow Cooker Beef Chili with Smoked Bacon

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A hearty and comforting beef chili made with smoked bacon, tender chuck roast, and rich spices, slow-cooked to perfection for a deep, savory flavor profile.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 8 slices thick-cut smoked bacon, chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced small
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (no salt added)
  • 1 cup beef broth (low sodium)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook chopped smoked bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy (5-7 minutes). Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving rendered fat in the pan.
  2. Increase heat to medium-high. Add ground beef to the bacon fat and brown thoroughly, breaking it up with a spoon (8-10 minutes). Drain excess grease if necessary.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and red bell pepper to the beef; cook for 5 minutes until onions are translucent.
  4. Add minced garlic and jalapeño; stir constantly for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to caramelize slightly.
  6. Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker insert.
  7. Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and remaining tomato paste. Stir to combine.
  8. Add all dry spices (chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, pepper) and stir until meat is evenly coated.
  9. Stir in rinsed kidney beans and black beans.
  10. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours until beef is tender and sauce has thickened.
  11. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cooked bacon bits. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Notes

For best texture, use a mix of ground beef and chuck roast. Do not skip browning the meat for deeper flavor. If using dried beans, soak overnight and cook separately before adding. For a richer finish, add a square of dark chocolate in the last hour of cooking. Leftovers improve in flavor after 1-2 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chili, beef chili, smoked bacon, comfort food, easy dinner, winter recipes, crockpot meals

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/cozy-slow-cooker-beef-chili-with-smoked-bacon-30-min-easy-meal/