Ingredients
Method
- Cook the beef bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped beef bacon until crisp. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate and leave the grease in the skillet for added flavor.
- Sauté the veggies: In the same skillet, sauté the bell peppers, celery, onion, jalapeño, and garlic over medium heat for 5–8 minutes, until softened.
- Add the spices: Stir in the seasonings and tomato paste. Cook for 1–3 minutes until fragrant, then transfer the mixture to your slow cooker.
- Assemble the chili base: Add the chili beans (liquid included), diced tomatoes (with liquid), sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and crumbled bouillon cubes to the slow cooker.
- Brown the meat: Use the skillet on high heat to brown the ground beef and turkey sausage in batches to ensure even searing. Drain excess fat, then add the meat to the slow cooker along with the bacon.
- Cook low and slow: Stir everything in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours. The flavors meld beautifully while you go about your day.
- Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream, Cheddar cheese, and cilantro.
Notes
Don’t rush the browning: Searing the meat properly adds flavor you can’t get from slow cooking alone.
