Ultimate Slow Cooker Chili with Crispy Bacon and Cheddar

Ultimate Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8

Description:

Indulge in the rich, savory flavors of this Ultimate Slow Cooker Chili recipe, a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. With a base of smoked bacon, hearty hamburger meat, and flavorful chili beans, this chili is elevated with a blend of spices that bring warmth and depth to every bite. Garnish with crispy bacon and optional cheddar cheese for an extra touch of deliciousness. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy meal at home, this recipe from Love With Recipes will surely be a hit.

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Ingredients:

• 1 cup smoked bacon (chopped into small pieces)
• 2 cups thick & chunky salsa
• 2 cans chili beans (15 oz each, undrained)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 2 pounds hamburger meat (ground beef)
• Shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bacon:

   • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped smoked bacon until it becomes crisp and golden brown. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Once crispy, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve the bacon drippings in the skillet for use with the hamburger meat.

2. Prepare the Chili Base:

   • In a slow cooker, combine the thick & chunky salsa, chili beans (with their liquid), beef broth, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly to blend all the ingredients together, creating a flavorful base for your chili.

3. Cook the Hamburger Meat:

   • Using the same skillet with the reserved bacon drippings, add the ground hamburger meat. Cook over medium heat, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Season the meat with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Combine Ingredients:

   • Once the hamburger meat is cooked, drain any excess fat and add the meat to the slow cooker. Stir the meat into the chili base, ensuring that it’s evenly distributed.

5. Simmer the Chili:

   • Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low heat for 4-5 hours. During this time, the flavors will meld together beautifully, creating a rich and hearty chili. Stir the mixture occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the sides of the slow cooker and to ensure even cooking.

6. Finish and Serve:

   • Once the chili is fully cooked and the flavors are well developed, ladle it into bowls for serving. Crumble the reserved bacon and sprinkle it generously over each serving of chili. For an optional finishing touch, add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the bacon.

7. Optional Garnishes:

   • If desired, you can add additional toppings such as chopped green onions, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños to personalize your chili and add extra flavor.

Enjoy this delightful slow-cooked chili as a comforting meal on its own or alongside your favorite sides like cornbread or rice. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe promises to deliver a burst of flavor and satisfaction in every bowl.