The Millie Chili

Farm-Raised Chili Recipe

This hearty chili brings together locally sourced beef, smoky bacon or pancetta, and bold spices for a dish that’s sure to warm you up!

Ingredients

• 1 lb Local Farm Raised Ground Beef

• 1 lb Local Farm Raised Beef Tips

• 4 oz Bacon or Pancetta (whole or in strips)

• 1 cup Beef Broth

• 4 cloves Garlic (minced)

• 1 large Sweet Onion (diced)

• 1 large Green Pepper (diced)

• 1 Shallot (minced)

• 1 can (4 oz) Diced Green Chilis

• 1 can (14.5 oz) Fire-Roasted Tomatoes

• 2 tbsp Tomato Paste

• 1 can (15 oz) Red Kidney Beans (drained and rinsed)

• 1 can (15 oz) Baked Beans

• 1-2 tsp Garlic Powder

• 1-2 tsp Onion Powder

• 1-2 tsp Salt

• 1-2 tsp Pepper

• 1 tbsp Chili Powder

• 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper

• 1 tsp Paprika

• 1 tsp Cumin

• 1/2 tsp Oregano

• 1 tsp Ground Mustard

• 1 tsp Hot Sauce (or to taste)

• 2 tbsp Brown Sugar

• 2 tbsp Butter

Instructions

1. Infuse with Bacon or Pancetta Flavor:

   • In a large pot over medium heat, add the bacon or pancetta. Cook until it releases its fat and is golden. Remove from the pot and set aside, leaving the rendered fat for cooking.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

   • Add butter to the pot and sauté the sweet onion, green pepper, shallot, and garlic together. Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.

3. Brown the Beef:

   • Push the vegetables to the side and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it into pieces as it cooks. Add the beef tips and cook until they develop a golden crust. Stir the beef and vegetables together.

4. Layer the Flavors:

   • Add the tomato paste, fire-roasted tomatoes, diced green chilis, and seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne, paprika, cumin, oregano, and ground mustard. Stir to combine, cooking for 1–2 minutes to release the spices’ aroma.

5. Combine Ingredients:

   • Pour in the beef broth, kidney beans, and baked beans. Stir well. Add the bacon or pancetta back to the pot for an additional infusion of flavor, then remove it before the final simmer.

6. Simmer the Chili:

   • Reduce heat to low and let the chili simmer uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add brown sugar and hot sauce during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

7. Taste and Adjust:

   • Before serving, taste the chili and adjust with more salt, spices, or hot sauce as needed.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Ladle the chili into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs. Serve with crusty bread or tortilla chips on the side.