Best of Both Worlds Chili
A hearty and flavorful chili combining ground beef, black and kidney beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and smoky spices. Simmered with jalapeños and bell peppers for a perfect balance of heat and depth. Optional bacon adds extra richness. Ideal for game day, fall, or any comfort food craving. Serve with cheese, sour cream, cornbread, or over rice.
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 2.25 lbs ground beef 80/20 or 85/15
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 onion diced
- 2 large jalapeños chopped
- ½ red bell pepper diced
- ½ green bell pepper diced
- 3 –4 slices thick-cut bacon optional, diced
- 4 oz black beans drained and rinsed
- 15 oz kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 6 –8 oz Mexican beer or chicken stock
- 1 tbsp Better Than Bouillon chicken or beef base
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 8 oz can tomato soup
- 14 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 3 dashes liquid smoke
- 2 –3 tbsp brown sugar optional
- Smoked paprika ancho chile powder, chipotle chile powder (to taste)
- Cinnamon sugar to taste
- Salt black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder (to taste)
- Worcestershire sauce & hot sauce to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook bacon (if using) over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Add ground beef to the same pot. Brown the meat and drain excess grease if needed.
- Stir in garlic, onion, jalapeños, and bell peppers. Cook until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
- Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Add the Better Than Bouillon, crushed tomatoes, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and tomato soup. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the beer or chicken stock. Stir in the black and kidney beans.
- Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30–60 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
- Stir in liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Begin seasoning with smoked paprika, chile powders, cinnamon sugar, brown sugar (if needed), and additional salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste.
- Simmer uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes to thicken. Stir in reserved bacon before serving, if using.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.