Name: Cozy Sunday Chili Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons salt; 1 1/2 pounds ground beef; 6 slices bacon, cut into small pieces; 1/2 onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 jalapeño, minced; 4 carrots, minced (optional); 2 1/2 tablespoons chili powder; 2 tablespoons cumin; 1 tablespoon oregano; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 3–4 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 (28-ounce) can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes; 2 (14-ounce) cans beans, rinsed and drained (black beans and pinto beans recommended); 2 cups beef broth or chicken broth (plus more to thin as needed); Toppings: avocado, cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, red onion, cilantro

Description

This Sunday Chili is a rich and hearty one-pot meal made with smoky bacon, tender beef, beans, and bold spices. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for sharing around the table on a relaxing weekend.

Ingredients

Scale

2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
6 slices bacon, cut into small pieces
1/2 onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeño, minced
4 carrots, minced (optional)
2 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons cumin
1 tablespoon oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
3–4 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (28-ounce) can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
2 (14-ounce) cans beans, rinsed and drained (black beans and pinto beans recommended)
2 cups beef broth or chicken broth (plus more to thin as needed)
Toppings: avocado, cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, red onion, cilantro

Instructions

Crisp the bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until golden and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the same pot. Season lightly with salt and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add aromatics: Toss in the diced onion, garlic, and jalapeño. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and softened. If using carrots, add them now for extra sweetness and texture.
Spice it up: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and garlic powder. Let the spices bloom in the heat for about a minute, stirring constantly.
Tomato base: Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Then add the fire-roasted crushed tomatoes.
Simmer with broth: Pour in the beef broth and stir everything together. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
Add beans: Stir in the drained beans and reserved bacon. Simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more broth if the chili becomes too thick.
Taste and adjust: Sample the chili and adjust with salt or additional seasoning as needed.
Serve and garnish: Ladle into bowls and top with avocado, cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, red onion, and cilantro.

Notes

Active time: ~20 minutes; simmering (passive) time: ~40–60 minutes. For a thicker chili, simmer longer uncovered. For a thinner texture, add extra broth near the end.