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Over the Top Chili

A hearty, crowd-pleasing chili loaded with ground beef, beef chuck, bacon, three types of beans, and a symphony of spices for deep, layered flavor.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 8 slices bacon chopped
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1.5 pounds beef chuck cut into 3/4-inch cubes
  • 2 large yellow onions diced
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon oregano
  • 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 can 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can 15 ounces kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can 15 ounces pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce optional
  • 2 teaspoons salt plus more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or large pot with lid
  • Large skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp chef's knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Can opener
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Colander
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, and black pepper and cook for 2 minutes to bloom the spices.
  6. Mix in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes; stir in crushed tomatoes and beef broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
  7. 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.
  8. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, partially cover, and cook for 60 to 90 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  9. 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.