Smoky Beef and Bacon Chili

My sister-in-law made this chili over the holidays and it was SO good. I've never thought to put bacon in chili, but I can't see doing it any other way from here on out! I altered the original recipe a bit, but it was still super tasty.

Smoky Beef and Bacon Chili

1 1/2 lbs. ground beef

1 package bacon, chopped

3 bell peppers, any color

1 medium yellow onion

1 14 oz. can fire roasted tomatoes

1 large can whole peeled tomatoes

1 cup chicken broth

2 tbsp chili powder

1 tbsp smoked paprika

1 tbsp garlic powder

2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (more to taste)

1 tsp sea salt

Instructions:

Chop bacon into small chunks and brown in a large pot. While the bacon is browning, chop all the veggies. Once the bacon is browned, remove it from the pot and allow it to drain on a paper towel. Remove any remaining bacon grease from the pot. Add your veggies to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes or until soft. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain off any excess fat. Add bacon back to pot and add in the fire roasted tomatoes and chicken broth. Before you add the whole tomatoes, break them up with your hand, then add all the juices from the can to the pot. You could easily sub a can of diced tomatoes. Add spices and simmer on low for a couple hours.

Yum!