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Crockpot Chili

This chili gets its deep, smoky flavor from rendering bacon at the start - the leftover fat is then used to cook down the aromatics, building a savory base that infuses the entire chili as it slow cooks.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/4 lb bacon chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper finely diced
  • 1 green bell pepper finely diced
  • 1/2 cup finely diced celery
  • 1 cup finely diced yellow onion
  • 1 jalapeño finely diced, optional
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 6 oz tomato paste
  • 2 cans chili beans 16-oz
  • 2 cans petite diced tomatoes 28-oz
  • 1 1/4 lbs ground beef
  • 3/4 lb Italian sausage
  • 3 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp seasoned salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 3/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 2 tsp granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 beef bouillon cubes

Method

  • Cook bacon until crisp in large skillet. Remove bacon, reserve fat.
  • Sauté bell peppers, celery, onion, jalapeño in bacon fat 5-8 minutes until soft.
  • Add garlic, seasonings, tomato paste, cook 1-3 minutes until fragrant. Transfer to slow cooker.
  • Add beans, tomatoes, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, bouillon cubes to slow cooker.
  • Brown ground beef and Italian sausage in same skillet until well-browned. Drain fat.
  • Add meats and reserved bacon to slow cooker. Stir to combine.
  • Cook on low 6-8 hours.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings before serving.

Notes

For spicier chili, include optional jalapeño and cayenne pepper.