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Hearty Bacon & Beef Chili Recipe: Homemade Comfort
Nothing beats this smoky bacon and tender beef chili on chilly evenings, but its secret ingredient might surprise you.
Why You’ll Love this Bacon & Beef Chili
Every single bite of this hearty chili delivers that perfect comfort food experience we all crave on chilly evenings.
I’m convinced you’ll fall head over heels for how the smoky bacon infuses the entire dish with rich, savory depth that store-bought versions simply can’t match.
The combination of crispy bacon bits, tender ground beef, and kidney beans creates a satisfying texture that’s simply irresistible.
What I adore most is how the spices—oregano, chili powder, and that hint of ground red pepper—build layers of flavor that develop beautifully during that final hour of simmering.
Pure magic in a pot!
What Ingredients are in Bacon & Beef Chili?
This hearty chili recipe brings together the perfect blend of savory, smoky, and slightly spicy elements that make comfort food so irresistible. The star ingredients—bacon and ground beef—create a rich base that carries all the other flavors beautifully.
I’m particularly fond of how the bacon adds that special something that elevates this chili from good to absolutely crave-worthy. And don’t we all need recipes like that in our arsenal for those cool evenings when nothing but a warming bowl of chili will do?
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 2 onions, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably lean)
- 2 (28 ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/4 tablespoon ground red pepper
- 2/3 cup catsup (ketchup)
When shopping for these ingredients, quality really does matter. For the ground beef, I recommend choosing a leaner option (around 90/10) which provides plenty of flavor without excessive grease.
The bacon? That’s where you might want to splurge a little—thick-cut bacon holds up better and delivers more smoky goodness throughout the chili.
And while you might be tempted to substitute fresh tomatoes, the canned variety actually works perfectly here, providing both convenience and consistent flavor, especially when making this dish outside of tomato season.
Trust me, your taste buds won’t know the difference.
How to Make this Bacon & Beef Chili
Let’s start our chili journey with the bacon – those 4 crispy, flavorful slices that create the foundation of flavor. In a large skillet, fry the bacon until perfectly crisp, then set it aside while keeping that liquid gold (the bacon grease) in the pan.
Into this flavorful fat goes 2 chopped onions and 1 green pepper, which you’ll want to sauté until they’re soft and fragrant. Once your veggies have softened, add 1 pound of ground beef to the mix and brown it thoroughly. If you’re using a higher-fat beef, you might want to drain off some excess grease before moving forward—nobody wants swimming pool chili, right?
Now for the heart of our chili—add 2 cans (28 ounces each) of undrained diced tomatoes, 2/3 cup of catsup, and 1 can (15 ounces) of kidney beans that you’ve drained and rinsed.
This is where the magic happens with our seasoning blend: 1 tablespoon of oregano, 1 tablespoon of chili powder, and 1/4 tablespoon of ground red pepper. These spices create that signature chili warmth without overwhelming heat.
Remember that bacon we set aside? Break it into pieces and add it back into the mixture, bringing everything full circle.
The final step requires patience—let everything simmer for about an hour, allowing those flavors to meld together into a rich, hearty chili that tastes like you spent all day on it. For the most even cooking and flavor development, consider using a premium Dutch oven which distributes heat perfectly for long-simmering dishes like this chili.
Bacon & Beef Chili Substitutions and Variations
While the classic recipe delivers incredible flavor, you can easily customize this hearty bacon and beef chili to match your preferences or pantry situation.
I’d recommend trying turkey bacon or ground turkey if you’re looking for a leaner option, though you’ll sacrifice some of that luxurious richness that makes this chili so comforting.
Can’t find kidney beans? Black or pinto beans work beautifully.
For a spicier kick, double the chili powder and add a diced jalapeño (seeds and all if you’re brave!).
The catsup can be replaced with tomato paste mixed with a touch of honey for that sweet-savory balance that makes this chili sing.
What to Serve with Bacon & Beef Chili
Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe and its variations, the question becomes what to serve alongside your steaming bowl of bacon and beef chili.
I always recommend a basket of warm cornbread, its golden crust practically begging for a swipe of honey butter.
A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette offers the perfect counterpoint to the rich, hearty flavors.
For a casual gathering, try setting out bowls of shredded cheddar, sour cream, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro—let everyone customize their own bowl.
And don’t forget a selection of hot sauces for heat-seekers!
Sometimes, I’ll even prepare a batch of fluffy white rice as an alternative base.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on this hearty bacon and beef chili recipe, I’m struck by how something so simple can deliver such profound satisfaction.
The marriage of smoky bacon with robust ground beef creates a depth that ordinary chilis just can’t match.
What I love most is how adaptable this recipe remains—dial up the chili powder for extra heat, or throw in a jalapeño if you’re feeling adventurous.
The hour-long simmer isn’t just cooking time; it’s an investment in flavor development, allowing those tomatoes, beans, and spices to meld into something greater than their parts.
Comfort food at its finest!
