Smoky Bacon Bourbon Chili: A Must-Try Recipe

Master the Ultimate Bourbon & Bacon Chili Recipe - Elevate your chili game with our smoky, savory Bourbon & Bacon Chili! Perfect for BBQ enthusiasts and chili lovers alike, this recipe combines rich bourbon, crispy bacon, and a blend of spices for a hearty dish that's bursting with flavor. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or craving comfort food, our step-by-step guide makes it easy to achieve the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Dive into a bowl of this delicious chili and discover why it's the best you'll ever have. Full recipe and tips inside!

Items in this Recipe:

• Dutch Oven

• Wire Rack Sheet Pan

• BBQ Sauce

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Bacon Bourbon Chili

Yield: 12+

Author: Delmarva Backyard

Prep time: 30 MinCook time: 5 HourTotal time: 5 H & 30 M

Dive into the ultimate comfort food with our Bourbon & Bacon Chili recipe! Perfect for chilly evenings or tailgating, this dish combines smoky bacon, rich bourbon, and a blend of spices that'll warm you from the inside out. Let's get started with the best Bourbon & Bacon Chili you've ever had!

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 Medium Sweet Onion
• 1 lb Ground Beef or Turkey (Healthier Option)
• 1 lb Butchers Cut Thick Bacon
• 2 cans (15.5 OZ) Dark Kidney Beans (low sodium if possible)
• 1 can (15.5 OZ) Black Beans
• 3 cans (14.5 OZ) Diced Tomatoes (Low Sodium and unflavored)
• 1 Tbsp Tomato Paste
• 2.5 Tbsp Chili Powder
• 2 Tbsp Ground Cumin
• 1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
• 1 Tbsp Ground Black Pepper
• 1 Tbsp Salt
• 1 1/2 C Beef Broth
• 1/2 C Bourbon
• 16 OZ BBQ Sauce
• 1 Cup Corn
• 4 assoreted Chili Peppers (use 1 -2 for lower heat level and 3-4 for a little spicer flavor profile)

Instructions

1. Start with the Basics: Grab a Dutch oven-style pan and get it warm. Toss in some onion chopped fine and a glug of olive oil. You're aiming for them onions to turn translucent, a clear sign they're sweatin' down just right.
2. Bring in the Heavies: Time to introduce ground beef or turkey to the mix, right there with the onions. Crank that heat to medium-high and let the browning commence. Once you've got a nice sear on that meat, kill the heat and pull it off the burner. Patience, my friend, is key.
3. Bacon's Big Entrance: Lay out your bacon strips on a wire rack over a pan. This isn't just any bacon—we're talking about bacon that's gonna be kissed by smoke. Pop it in a smoker preheated to 350°F (177°C). Get ready for some magic.
4. The Bean Scene: Got your beans? Strain, rinse, and introduce them to the party in the Dutch oven, joining the onion and meat crew.
5. Tomato Tango: Next, it's time for diced tomatoes and tomato paste to dive into the mix. We're building flavors here, layer by layer.
6. Spice It Up: This is where it gets serious. Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and black pepper – sprinkle them in and give everything a gentle but firm mix. We're talking a symphony of flavors starting to sing together.
7. Liquid Love: Pour in the beef broth, a good shot of bourbon, and your favorite BBQ sauce. Stir it into our growing masterpiece in the Dutch oven.
8. Add the Gold: Drop the corn into the mix. This is chili that speaks to the soul, my friend.
9. Bacon, Round Two: That bacon you smoked to perfection? Crumble or chop it once it's achieved your ideal level of crispiness and toss it into the Dutch oven. This is flavor country.
10. Pepper Play: Dice up those peppers, deciding on your heat level by playing with the seeds. More seeds, more heat; less seeds, less heat. Add them to the mix.
11. Stir the Pot: Give that chili a good stir every half hour or so. Let it simmer on low for 4-6 hours. Trust me, the longer it cooks, the deeper the flavors.
12. Taste Test: Dive in and taste that chili. Once it hits the flavor profile you've been dreaming of, pull it from the heat. Remember, like a fine wine, chili gets better with time. It's even more incredible the day after.

Notes

Try to use a pan you can do everything in like this one: https://amzn.to/3uK10AP

Make sure the pan is hot enough to hear the meat sizzle when you place it in the pan.

If you'd like a little more chunky style, substitute 1 can of diced tomatoes for a can of tomato halves

Chili is the best the day after you cook it.

Additional Tips

• Layering Flavors: Add spices gradually and taste as you go to achieve the perfect balance.

• Smoky Bacon: For an extra layer of flavor, use smoked bacon.

• Resting Time: Let the chili sit for a few minutes after cooking to let the flavors meld together.

Perfect for chilly evenings, game days, or any time you crave comfort food with a kick. This chili is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and might just become your new go-to recipe.

FAQ Section

Q: Can I use a different type of meat? A: Yes, you can substitute ground beef or turkey with ground chicken or pork for a different flavor profile.

Q: What kind of bourbon should I use? A: Use a bourbon you enjoy drinking; a mid-range bourbon will add a nice flavor without being too overpowering.

Q: Can I make this chili in a slow cooker? A: Yes, after browning the meat and sautéing the onions, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Q: How do I adjust the heat level? A: Adjust the number of chili peppers and whether you include their seeds to control the spiciness of the chili.

Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.