Does this chili recipe look good?

[jlt19]

We're going to a chili cookoff party tomorrow and DH says my chili is boring (wilted) I told him he had to find a recipe himself then.

www.food.com/recipe/beef-chili-with-bacon-black-beans-208132

8 ounces bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 8 strips)
2 medium onions, chopped fine (about 2 cups)
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 tablespoons garlic, minced
1/4 cup chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
2 lbs 85% lean ground beef
2 (16 ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
1 (28 ounce) can tomato puree


He wants to double the bacon and cut the onions in half (b/c HE hates onions).


Anyone have any kick ass recipes? There are only 6 or 7 entries, so not a huge competition or anything. But a trophy IS on the line

[moolarkey]

I like bacon. I don't want it in my chili. Otherwise it's a pretty typical recipe.

[justmeandmydog]

I use my mom's recipe which includes bacon, it's delicious! I don't typically use cumin or coriander though,
I use chili powder,paprika & worcheshire sauce(auto correct changed it to witches tire sauce haha) & hot sauce.

[justmeandmydog]

Also, I use a pound or bacon & two pounds ground beef

[CajunShrimp]

Mmm that looks good. I would not double the bacon, and leave the onions alone. If they are cut up small enough, he won't even notice. And keep the spices - they look good the way they are. Cumin is great in chlli. I would only swap black beans for kidney or pinto, because I like them better.

[sandytoes]

I think it looks good but agree with Kevin. Use crispy bacon as a topping and use a little liquid smoke for the flavor.

[Waffles]

I'd replace the bacon with pork/beef mince, replace the black beans with kidney beans, remove the bell pepper and add some red wine.

[captainobvious]

I like Jimmy Fallon's chili recipe but it's pretty spicy (so it's not for everyone.) www.marthastewart.com/317342/jimmy-fallons-crock-pot-chili

[jennistarr1]

I think I know why he wants to double the bacon...because in a chili cookoff you want something a little different to stand out amongst the others...for that reason I support it.

[shopgirl07]

Oct 31, 2014 9:08:07 GMT -5 Lucy Honeychurch said:

I'd add some smoked paprika. I like smoked paprika in everything though. lol. Otherwise I think it looks excellent.

I agree.

[ohyouknow]

I have won several amateur chili contests. Several years ago I read an article about the secret to winning these cooking contests - it's all in the name. Recipes that have fashionable names with words like: artisan, heirloom tomato, chipotle, infused, etc. often win.  It's a mind game, the judges believe it's better because it sounds fancy.

Try it - it's worked for me every time.  (That being said, I often add pumpkin puree to my chili, it adds a creamier texture and flavor, but no one can place exactly what it is. It doesn't taste pumpkin-y.)

[jlt19]

Oct 31, 2014 9:12:54 GMT -5 ohyouknow said:

I have won several amateur chili contests. Several years ago I read an article about the secret to winning these cooking contests - it's all in the name. Recipes that have fashionable names with words like: artisan, heirloom tomato, chipotle, infused, etc. often win.  It's a mind game, the judges believe it's better because it sounds fancy.

Try it - it's worked for me every time.  (That being said, I often add pumpkin puree to my chili, it adds a creamier texture and flavor, but no one can place exactly what it is. It doesn't taste pumpkin-y.)

There will be no names   Once all the chilis are brought in, the guests go downstairs and the host will divide the chilis into Dixie cups and place each batch by a number. I won't even know what number is my own.

I love the idea of smoked paprika, it's my favorite spice!

[jennistarr1]

I think the canned pumpkin and the smoked paprika both sound like good additions

[meemz]

This is our favorite chilli. Ive tried so many different ones and this is the one we prefer.

www.rachaelraymag.com/recipes/rachael-ray-magazine-recipe-search/soup-recipes/tex-mex-corn-chip-chili

[Waffles]

Forgot paprika! You need paprika in it too!

[twolittlecheers]

I use sasuage instead of bacon and cook the onions some.

[mich1]

I'd replace the ground beef with finely cubed chuck, throw in a couple f either jalapeños, serranos (or both) and a bottle of beer.

The chuck gives it more texture, the fresh peppers add spiciness not associated with dry spices and the beer adds depth to the broth. I also throw a can of beef broth in it, along with the beer to simmer awhile to let the beef break down before I start tossing in veggies.

[CajunShrimp]

Oct 31, 2014 9:54:58 GMT -5 meemz said:

This is our favorite chilli. Ive tried so many different ones and this is the one we prefer.

www.rachaelraymag.com/recipes/rachael-ray-magazine-recipe-search/soup-recipes/tex-mex-corn-chip-chili

We make this all the time.

[caligurl]

I'm making chili today in my crock pot. It's the perfect weather for it, all stormy and gloomy.

I agree with crisping the bacon and using as a topping. Maybe pour the bacon drippings into the chili to add some smoked flavor. I've never used coriander in chili before so I don't know about that but everything else about the recipe sounds spot on.