Recipe № 05 — big batch · cold weather

The Best Chili

A hearty three-bean chili built on ground beef, Italian sausage, and bacon, with a deep tomato base. Simmer at least two hours — longer if you can spare it. Better the next day.

Yield
10 servings
Prep
30 min
Simmer
2 hr min
Total
hr

Method

  1. Set a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Crumble the ground beef and sausage into the hot pot and brown evenly, breaking the meat up as it cooks. Drain off the excess fat.
  2. In a separate skillet, cook the bacon until crisp. Lift it out, crumble it, and add it to the stock pot.
  3. Cook the onion and bell pepper in the bacon drippings for about 5 minutes, until the onions go translucent. Tip the lot into the stock pot.
  4. Add the drained beans, both cans of tomatoes, the tomato paste, and the beef stock to the pot. Stir in all the spices, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce.
  5. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and let it cook over low heat for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Longer is better — the flavours deepen and the chili tightens.
  6. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and chili powder. Serve with grated cheese, sour cream, sliced avocado, or whatever your heart wants on top.