Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the chopped bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat for about 8 minutes, until crispy; transfer bacon to paper towels, leaving the fat in the pot.
- Add ground beef to the bacon fat and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, breaking it apart, until deeply browned; remove and set aside.
- In batches, brown the beef chuck cubes in the same pot over medium-high heat for about 12 minutes total, ensuring all sides are seared; transfer to a bowl.
- Add diced onions to the pot and cook over medium heat for 8 minutes, until soft and lightly charred; stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, and black pepper and cook for 2 minutes to bloom the spices.
- Mix in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes; stir in crushed tomatoes and beef broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
- Add kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, sugar, and return the cooked beef and bacon to the pot; stir to combine.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, partially cover, and cook for 60 to 90 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, cayenne, or hot sauce before serving.
Notes
Chili tastes best when made a day ahead and reheated gently; store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
