Quick Beef-&-bacon Chili & Beans

Total Time: 55 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 35 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 3 medium onions, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch dice
• 1/2 lb streaky bacon, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch wide strips
• 3/4 lb lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 (8 3/4 ounce) cans kidney beans, drained
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1/4 lb sharp cheddar cheese, coarsely shrededed (1 cup)
• 1 medium red onion, finely chopped (for garnish)
• 1/2 cup sour cream, for garnish

Recipe

• 1 in a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. add garlic, onions, bell pepper and bacon, and saute until onions are translucent and bacon begins to color slightly, 2 to 3 minutes.
• 2 add beef and saute, stirring to break up meat into fine particles, until evenly browned, 7 to 10 minutes.
• 3 add chili powder, cayenne and cumin and saute 1 minute more.
• 4 add remaining ingredients, except garnishes, bring to a boil and continue simmering until thick, about 20 minutes.
• 5 serve in individual bowls garnished with cheese, onion, and sour cream.