Full Flavor Amazing Chili

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 lbs ground chuck
• 5 slices bacon, crumbled once cooked
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 green bell pepper, small dice
• 1 yellow bell pepper, small dice
• 1 red bell pepper, small dice
• 1 medium yellow onion, small dice
• 5 garlic cloves, crushed
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 1/4 teaspoons dried chipotle powder
• 2 tablespoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 bay leaf

• 2 (28 ounce) bottles beer, Amber Bock

• 1 (28 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, chopped

• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dark brown sugar
• 1 lime, juice of

• 1 (16 ounce) can red kidney beans

• 1 (16 ounce) can pinto beans
• 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• salt & pepper
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded, for garnish
• 1 cup green onion, chopped, for garnish
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Directions

1. 1

   Brown ground beef in a large saute pan, until cooked through. Drain well and set aside.

2. 2

   Wipe pan dry and brown bacon. Remove bacon, set aside, and drain out all but 1 tablespoon of bacon grease.

3. 3

   Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to pan. Saute onions, peppers and garlic until soft (about 10 min).

4. 4

   Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, peppers, garlic, meat and spices. Stir to combine, cook for about 3 minutes.

5. 5

   Add bay leaf, tomatoes with liquid, tomato paste, beer, lime juice, and brown sugar, and crumbled bacon. Allow to cook until foam subsides, while stirring.

6. 6

   Cover pot and lower heat to a simmer. Simmer covered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until thickened slightly.

7. 7

   Drain and rinse beans. Add beans and 1 cup cilantro to pot. Check and adjust seasoning, if needed, with salt and pepper. Cook an additional 45 minutes to an hour, until thickened.

8. 8

   **If not thickened enough, a mixture of cornstarch and water can be added, increasing heat and stirring constantly until thickened.

9. 9

   Remove bay leaf, and serve with desired garnishes.