chilly today. chili tonight.

3 strips thick-cut bacon, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 medium onion, diced (set some aside for garnish)

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 TBSP chili powder

1 generous tsp cumin

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp paprika

1 lb. lean ground beef

1/2 cup(ish) beer (I didn't measure)

1 can red kidney beans

1 large can crushed tomatoes

(grated cheddar & diced onion for garnish)

In a heavy dutch oven pot on medium heat, cook the bacon until starting to crisp.

Add pepper, onion & garlic and cook until they start to soften. Mix in spices and cook for a few minutes.

Add ground beef. Break it up and cook until browned. Season with salt.

Stir in beer & beans. Then stir in the crushed tomatoes. Add more salt.

Cover pot, turn heat to low, and simmer for an hour. Stir occasionally.

Garnish with cheddar & some raw onion.

I made cornbread to go with the chili (not pictured). Click here for a simple & quick recipe. (note: I used turbinado sugar instead of white, and substituted 1/3 c. melted butter for the veg. oil)