Beth's Bacon BBQ Chili

I have made this bacon bbq chili several times, it's very flexible and is a family favorite even for a picky 5 year old! My boys always ask for the leftovers for lunch the next day. If you like it less soupy, omit zucchini or 1 can of the tomatoes. 

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef

1 lb bacon, cooked, drained & chopped

1 onion, diced

1 sweet pepper, diced

1 zucchini, diced

1 can garbanzo beans, drained & rinsed

1-2 cans pinto or black beans "

2 cans Rotel tomatoes with chiles

Garlic (1 clove or 4 shakes dried)

1 Dried chipotle pepper, cut up & soaked

1 diced poblano or jalepeno pepper (more if you like heat)

1/4-1/2 c. Your favorite Bbq sauce (we like Trader Joe's smokey or Sweet Baby Ray's sweet & spicy)

Cumin

Chili powder

Pepper

Salt 

Toppings:

Green onions

Sour cream

Cheese

Directions

1) Turn on heat, cook bacon in batches in Dutch oven. Drain excess grease ( leave about 1 tsp) and set cooked bacon aside.

2) Cook beef, when browning add 1 tsp cumin & 1 tsp chili powder, garlic, and Bbq sauce along with the soaked chipotle.

3) Add diced onion & peppers, and zucchini, let cook stirring occasionally for 3 min.

4) Add canned tomatoes and beans. Stir thoroughly. Add in 1/2 cooked bacon crumbles. 

5) Let chili simmer on low for 30 min. 

6) Top with favorite toppings, and enjoy!

You can substitute any canned beans, or use turkey instead of beef if you choose.