Mikes Slow Cooker Chili

Ingredients

Meat & Veggies

• 5 slices bacon, chopped

• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced

• 1 green bell pepper, finely diced

• ½ cup finely diced celery (about 2 stalks)

• 1 cup finely diced yellow onion (about 1 small onion)

• 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional, but adds a nice kick)

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• 6 ounces tomato paste

• 48 ounces chili beans (pinto beans in chili sauce — 3 × 16 oz cans) Drain one

• 56 ounces petite diced tomatoes (2 × 28 oz cans)

• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend for flavor and tenderness)

• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot, depending on your crowd)

Seasonings

• 4 tablespoons chili powder

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt

• ¾ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 3 beef bouillon cubes

  
  

Optional ToppingsFresh cilantro, sour cream, shredded cheddar, diced onion, and sliced jalapeños.

Instructions

1. Crisp the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain, but keep the bacon grease in the pan - it’s liquid gold for flavor.

2. Build the Flavor Base: Add the bell peppers, celery, onion, jalapeño, and garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and aromatic.Stir in the tomato paste and all the seasonings. Cook for 1–3 minutes to bloom the spices. Transfer everything to your slow cooker.

3. Add the Core Ingredients: Pour in the chili beans and diced tomatoes - including their liquid. Add the sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and crumble in the buillon cubes. Stir to combine.

4. Brown the Meats: Using the same skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage in batches over medium-high heat to achieve a deep, caramelized sear. Drain any excess fat and transfer the meat to the slow cooker along with the bacon.

5. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours. Let it simmer slowly so the flavors meld and deepen.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite fixings - a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of cheese, a few jalapeño slices, or fresh cilantro.