Homemade Chili

Ingredients

• 1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, chopped
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/3 cup bottled steak sauce
• 5 slices bacon
• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1 (1.25 ounce) package chili seasoning mix
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium-low heat, combine tomatoes, tomato paste, carrot, onion, celery, wine, pepper flakes, bell peppers and steak sauce.
2. While tomato mixture is simmering, in a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp. Remove to paper towels. Cook beef in bacon drippings until brown; drain. Stir chili seasoning into ground beef.
3. Stir seasoned beef, cumin and bacon into tomato mixture. Continue to simmer until vegetables are tender and flavors are well blended.
4. Stir in beans, cilantro and parsley. Heat through and serve.

Comments/Notes

This recipe won a chili contest.  In Texas.  So you know it’s good!  The fact that it’s full of fresh veggies makes it the best chili I’ve ever had.  I also like to add a few peppers to give it spice (jalapeno, poblano, whatever).  It’s not bland without adding peppers, but it’s not at all spicy if you prepare it as-written-above.