Sunday Chili is the perfect recipe for a cozy weekend meal. This hearty chili recipe combines beef and bacon for a rich, smoky flavor, making it an ideal slow-cooked chili to warm up your Sundays.
Why You’ll Love This Sunday Chili
This Sunday, Chili is a hearty chili recipe that brings together the robust flavors of ground beef and crispy bacon. The slow-cooked chili allows the spices and ingredients to meld beautifully, resulting in a comforting dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or meal prep for the week. The addition of beans and fire-roasted tomatoes adds depth, while optional toppings like avocado and sour cream provide a creamy contrast.
Ingredients
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2 teaspoons salt
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1½ pounds ground beef
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6 slices of bacon, cut into small pieces
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½ onion, diced
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 jalapeño, minced
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4 carrots, minced (optional)
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2½ tablespoons chili powder
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2 tablespoons cumin
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1 tablespoon oregano
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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3–4 tablespoons tomato paste
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1 (28-ounce) can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
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2 (14-ounce) cans beans, rinsed and drained (black and pinto preferred)
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2 cups beef or chicken broth
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Optional toppings: avocado, cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, red onion, cilantro
Instructions
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Prepare the Beef: Mix the salt into the ground beef and set aside.
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Cook the Bacon: In a large Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels. Discard most bacon fat, leaving 1–2 tablespoons.
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Sauté Vegetables: Add onion, garlic, jalapeño, and carrots to the pot. Sauté until softened and aromatic.
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Brown the Beef: Stir in ground beef and all spices (chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder). Cook until the beef is browned.
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Add Tomato Paste: Add tomato paste and sauté for 2–3 minutes to deepen the flavor.
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Combine Ingredients: Stir in fire-roasted tomatoes, beans, broth, and bacon. Bring to a gentle simmer.
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Simmer: Cover and simmer on low for at least 30–45 minutes, ideally 2+ hours, allowing flavors to meld and the chili to thicken. Add more broth or water if needed.
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Serve: Serve hot with desired toppings.Taste of Home+10Pinterest+10Pinterest+10Punchfork+1Pinch of Yum+1Pinch of Yum+1Punchfork+1Bakerita
Cooking Tips
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Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño to control the heat. Removing the seeds will reduce spiciness.
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Consistency: If the chili is too thick, add more broth or water to reach the desired consistency.
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Flavor Development: For deeper flavor, allow the chili to simmer longer. The flavors intensify over time.
Personal Anecdote
This Sunday, Chili has become a staple in our household. The combination of beef and bacon creates a rich, comforting dish that’s perfect for lazy Sundays. The aroma fills the house, making everyone eager for dinner time. It’s a recipe that brings warmth and satisfaction, especially during colder months.
What to Serve
Pair this hearty chili with cornbread, a fresh green salad, or over a bed of rice. For a fun twist, serve it over baked potatoes or nachos, topped with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped cilantro.
How to Store
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to adjust consistency.
FAQs
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, after browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
Can I use different types of beans?
Absolutely. Feel free to use kidney beans, cannellini beans, or any combination you prefer.
Is this chili spicy?
The spice level is moderate. Adjust the amount of jalapeño and chili powder to suit your taste.
This Sunday, Chili is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that brings people together. The hearty combination of beef and bacon, slow-cooked to perfection, makes it a standout dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, this chili is sure to satisfy.
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The Best Sunday Chili: A Hearty Beef and Bacon Slow-Cooked Favorite
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Sunday Chili is a hearty and smoky slow-cooked chili made with ground beef, crispy bacon, beans, and fire-roasted tomatoes. Perfect for cozy weekends or meal prep, it’s a comforting and flavorful dish that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
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2 teaspoons salt
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1½ pounds ground beef
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6 slices bacon, cut into small pieces
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½ onion, diced
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 jalapeño, minced
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4 carrots, minced (optional)
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2½ tablespoons chili powder
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2 tablespoons cumin
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1 tablespoon oregano
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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3–4 tablespoons tomato paste
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1 (28-ounce) can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
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2 (14-ounce) cans beans, rinsed and drained (black and pinto preferred)
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2 cups beef or chicken broth
Optional Toppings:
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Avocado
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Cheese
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Sour cream
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Tortilla chips
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Red onion
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Cilantro
Instructions
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Prep Beef:
Season ground beef with salt and set aside. -
Cook Bacon:
In a large Dutch oven, cook bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels. Discard excess fat, leaving 1–2 tablespoons. -
Sauté Veggies:
Add onion, garlic, jalapeño, and carrots to the pot. Cook until soft and fragrant. -
Brown the Beef:
Add beef to the pot with chili powder, cumin, oregano, and garlic powder. Cook until beef is browned. -
Add Tomato Paste:
Stir in tomato paste and sauté for 2–3 minutes to deepen flavor. -
Combine Ingredients:
Add crushed tomatoes, beans, broth, and bacon. Bring to a simmer. -
Simmer:
Cover and simmer on low for at least 30–45 minutes, or up to 2+ hours for deeper flavor. Add more broth or water as needed. -
Serve:
Ladle into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Spice Control: Use less jalapeño or remove seeds for a milder version.
Consistency: Adjust thickness with more broth or water.
Time Boost: Longer simmering enhances the flavors dramatically.
Variations: Use different beans or add more vegetables like bell peppers or corn.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American