My Famous Chili Con Carne

sacredmama's Note:

Many of my friends say this is their favorite dish of mine. I think the key is the bacon. I like it at the high end of the spices and more salt seems to bring out the flavors. Sometimes I add celery, red or green pepper, corn, or peas; but add another can of tomatoes if you add more of anything. It always comes out different so sometimes I add shredded cheese. Good with corn bread!

• Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 lb ground buffalo meat or 1 lb ground beef
• 4 -6 slices bacon, cut into 1/2 in. chunks
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 1 large sweet onion, chopped
• 1 head garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons chili powder (or more)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt (or more)
• 1 dash ground cayenne pepper (or more)
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• shredded cheese (optional)

Directions:

1. Heat oil on medium high in pot.
2. Cook bacon 2 mins, stirring often.
3. Add carrots and onion, cook until almost done.
4. Add garlic, cook 1 minute.
5. Add meat, season with salt, cook until browned.
6. Stir in beans, tomatoes, chili powder, bay leaf, cayenne, oregano- bring to boil.
7. Turn down to low.
8. Cover and simmer at least an hour, stirring occasionally (The longer it cooks the thicker it gets and better it tastes).
9. Season to taste.
10. (Serve with shredded cheese on top and cornbread on the side).

Reviews

[Colleen321]

Oh yes it's the bacon that makes it so good and different. When I put it together I thought, "Oh no there won't be enough liquid." But it was fine as it cooked at a very low heat all the juices came out of the tomatoes and it was perfect. Next time I'm gonna try it with pinto beans.