This bacon chili recipe is easy to make in just 30 minutes on the stovetop. Chili with bacon is a super quick, hearty, family-friendly dinner!

This bacon chili recipe is proof that adding bacon truly makes any dish more delicious.

The salty bacon flavor turns a classic pot of chili into an extra special dinner. Every bite is irresistibly flavorful, and loaded with ground beef, beans, and vegetables.

This bacon chili is one of my go-to weeknight dinners because it’s fast, easy, and made from scratch in 30 minutes on the stovetop. It’s a one-pot meal that delivers tons of flavor with minimal effort, which makes it perfect for busy nights when you need dinner on the table fast—but still want something homemade and comforting that the whole family will love.

Bacon Chili: Ingredients & Substitutions

• Bacon. Use regular pork bacon (not turkey bacon) for this recipe. You can choose your favorite bacon variety (smoked, etc.)
• Ground beef. I’ve used both 85/15% and 93/7% lean ground beef with great results. Or try turkey chili, chicken chili, or vegetarian chili.
• Minced garlic. You can substitute 1 tsp garlic powder for the minced garlic, and add it with the rest of the spices. 
• Bell pepper. any color variety of bell pepper works well in this recipe. If you like to add some heat, add some spicier peppers.
• Chili seasoning. Use a packet or make your own homemade chili seasoning.
• Diced tomatoes. regular or fire-roasted both work well.
• Tomato sauce. use pure tomato sauce not a pasta sauce.
• Kidney Beans. this recipe calls for one can of beans, you can add more if you’d like. I just have some family members who aren’t crazy about them so I keep the amount on the lower side.
• Green chiles. mild or diced are both great choices.
• Corn. Fresh and frozen corn both work well in this chili recipe.

How to Make Bacon Chili

Let’s walk through how to make this bacon chili recipe together step by step, and don’t forget to watch the video for further guidance!

Begin by cooking the bacon until it’s brown and crispy and has released fat as it cooks.

Then, add the ground beef and cook until it’s no longer pink. Make sure to break the meat into small pieces as you stir as it cooks.

Then, add the onion, bell pepper and garlic and cook until soft.

Next, add the rest of the ingredients – tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili seasoning, beans, green chilis and corn, and stir to combine.

Bring the bacon chili mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer and simmer for at least 15 minutes before serving (and for longer if necessary).

Serve

Serve this chili with bacon warm with your favorite topping and sides. Here are some suggestions:

• Green onions
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Crushed tortilla chips or crushed Fritos
• Cornbread (or cornbread croutons, cornbread muffins or this healthy skillet cornbread)
• Pretzel bread (so good).

Store

Store leftover bacon chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

To Freeze

Let the chili cool to room temperature then transfer it to an airtight, freezer-friendly container and freeze for up to 2 months. 

To thaw, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Or, thaw in a stockpot over the lowest heat – stirring often. You can also thaw in the microwave.

Bacon Chili Recipe FAQS

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