Smokey Beef & Bacon Chili

This chili is great right after you make it, but even better the next day! Serve with warm cornbread.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 slices thick-cut bacon, finely chopped
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 tsp. chili powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sweet smoked Spanish paprika (pimentón dulce)
• 1/2 teaspoon to 1 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
• About 1 tsp. salt
• 1 can (14.5 oz.) crushed fire-roasted tomatoes or regular crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce
• 1 cup flavorful, medium-bodied beer, such as Anchor Steam
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire
• 1 can (14.5 oz.) pinto beans, drained
• Sour cream, sliced green onions, and/or coarsely shredded cheddar cheese for topping

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, cook bacon, stirring until it just begins to brown, about 4 minutes. Add onion, lower heat to medium, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, 4 to 7 minutes. Uncover pan, stir in garlic, and cook 1 minute.

Step 2: Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef; break it up with a wooden spoon and stir gently until it loses its raw color, 7 minutes. Stir in spices and 1 tsp. salt and cook 1 minute. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, beer, and Worcestershire and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover partially, and cook 30 minutes.

Step 3: Add beans and cook 10 minutes, uncovered. Season to taste with salt. Serve warm, with toppings on the side. Recipe courtesy of My Recipes.