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Secret IngredientMeal Prep

Downshiftology Bacon-Secret Beef Chili

The secret ingredient is crispy bacon rendered first in the pot, infusing every layer with sweet, smoky depth before the beef even goes in. Fire-roasted tomatoes lock in the summer-grill flavor.

4.5 · 0 reviews
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
By Lisa Bryan · Downshiftology
1.5h
Cook Time
🥩
Ground Beef
Protein
📍
California
Region
Heat Level
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Medium Burn

Community Score
4.5
0 reviews

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Ingredients
4 strips thick-cut bacon, slicedAmazon ↗
1.5 lbs 80/20 ground beefAmazon ↗
1 yellow onion, dicedAmazon ↗
1 red bell pepper, dicedAmazon ↗
4 garlic cloves, mincedAmazon ↗
28 oz fire-roasted crushed tomatoesAmazon ↗
1 can kidney beansAmazon ↗
1 can black beansAmazon ↗
2 tbsp chili powderAmazon ↗
1 tsp cuminAmazon ↗
1 tsp smoked paprikaAmazon ↗
1/2 tsp cayenneAmazon ↗
Beef broth as neededAmazon ↗
Steps
1
Cook bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy, remove with slotted spoon
2
Brown ground beef in bacon fat, drain excess
3
Add onion and bell pepper to pot, sauté 5 minutes until soft
4
Add garlic and all spices, cook 1 minute until fragrant
5
Pour in fire-roasted tomatoes, stir in beef and bacon bits
6
Add a splash of broth if too thick, bring to a simmer
7
Stir in beans and simmer 30–45 minutes, serve with toppings

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