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Crockpot Chili with Beef, Sausage and Bacon

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A big slow cooker chili with ground beef, Italian sausage, bacon, chili beans, tomatoes and warm spices.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup finely diced celery (2 stalks)
  • 1 cup finely diced yellow onion (1 small onion)
  • 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 6 ounces tomato paste
  • 48 ounces chili beans (pinto beans in chili sauce, three 16-ounce cans)
  • 56 ounces petite diced tomatoes (two 28-ounce cans)
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot)
  • 4 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 beef bouillon cubes
  • Toppings as desired

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and leave the drippings in the pan.
  2. Add the bell peppers, celery, onion and jalapeño (if using). Cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute more. Set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, brown the ground beef and sausage over medium-high heat, breaking them up. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Transfer the meat to the slow cooker. Add the vegetables, bacon, tomato paste, chili beans, diced tomatoes, all the spices, sugar, Worcestershire sauce and bouillon cubes. Stir well.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
  6. Taste, adjust the seasoning and serve with your favorite toppings.

Notes

Let the chili rest 10-15 minutes before serving. Swap the beans or adjust the spice to taste. Leftovers are even better the next day.

Find it online: https://www.receipster.com/crockpot-chili-recipe/