🔥 Signature Best Chili

Prep Time: 20 min Cook Time: 1 h 15 min Serves: ~8

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon, chopped

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 large onion, diced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 jalapeño (optional, seeds removed), minced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 lbs ground beef (or beef + pork mix)

• 2 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tbsp smoked paprika

• 2 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• ½ tsp cayenne (adjust to heat preference)

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 (15-oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes

• 1 cup beef (or broth) + 1 cup dark beer (optional, for depth)

• 1 (15-oz) can kidney beans, drained & rinsed

• 1 (15-oz) can black beans, drained & rinsed

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Fresh cilantro, sour cream, shredded cheese, sliced green onion for garnish

🥣 Instructions

1. Crisp the bacon. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove, leaving rendered fat.

2. Sauté aromatics. Add olive oil if needed, then onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Cook until softened (5–7 min). Add garlic and cook another 1 min.

3. Brown meat. Raise heat, add ground beef (or meat mix). Break it up and cook until mostly browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

4. Season & toast. Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, cayenne, and tomato paste. Cook 2–3 min until fragrant.

5. Add liquids & tomatoes. Pour in crushed tomatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, broth/beer. Stir well to combine.

6. Beans & sweetness. Add kidney beans, black beans, and brown sugar. Stir.

7. Simmer low & slow. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour (uncovered last 15 min to thicken). Stir occasionally. Add water or broth if too thick.

8. Finish & serve. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and heat. Serve in bowls, topped with crispy bacon bits, sour cream, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and green onions.

💡 Muse’s Notes & Twists

• Depth boost: Add a splash of strong coffee or a square of dark chocolate near the end for richness.

• Heat play: Use smoked chipotle powder for smoky heat or ancho chili for warmth without extreme spice.

• Veggie version: Swap meat for lentils + mushrooms, keep same seasonings and beans.

• Texture play: Purée ½ the batch lightly to thicken, then stir back into the rest.

• Rest & reheat: Chili is better the next day. Let it rest overnight so flavors meld.