Sweet and Spicy Chili

This chili recipe has been in my family for years with each person changing it to their tastes. Mine is heavy with tomato, spicy, and a little sweet. In 2016 I entered it into a chili cook off and won! I share this recipe with you now hoping you and yours are warmed by it this fall.

Good

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Cook bacon in large pot over medium high heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leave bacon fat in pot.

Step 2

Reduce heat to medium and add onions to pot, cooking until onions are soft. Add garlic and cook for one minute or until fragrant.

Step 3

Add half of the brown sugar, 1 tsp of garlic and onion powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne, 3 tablespoons chili powder, and pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper. Cook for one minute stirring constantly.

Step 4

Add tomato paste, stirring constantly until caramelized, about 1 minute.

Step 5

Add ground beef (or whatever ground meat you prefer) and cook until browned. Then add the rest of the brown sugar, 1 tsp of garlic and onion powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne, and 3 tablespoons chili powder. Cook for another minute stirring constantly.

Step 6

Add beans, crushed and diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Fill one of the 28oz cans with water or broth and add to pot. Add bacon back in as well.

Step 7

Turn heat to high, bring to boil, then cover and reduce heat to simmer. Let simmer for 20 minutes.

Step 8

Remove cover and taste, adjusting seasonings as needed. Once it’s to your liking serve with toppings of your choice and side of cornbread.

Step 9

Enjoy!