Smoky Pancetta Beef Chili

Total Time: 1 Hour | Servings: 6 | Calories per Serving: 390

This smoky, hearty beef chili is packed with rich flavor from pancetta, ancho chili powder, and fire-roasted tomatoes. It simmers into a cozy, crowd-pleasing bowl that’s perfect for weeknights, game days, or casual hosting.

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INGREDIENTS

1 lb ground beef
4 oz pancetta (diced)
1/2 large yellow onion (diced)
1 red bell pepper (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 1/2 tbsp tomato paste 
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp ancho chili powder
1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper 
1/4 tsp chipotle powder
15 oz can dark red kidney beans (drained/rinsed)
15 oz can black beans (drained/rinsed)
14.5 oz can diced fire-roasted tomatoes with green chiles
1 1/4 cups beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1: Crisp the Pancetta
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook until the fat renders and the pieces are lightly crispy, about 4 to 5 minutes.
-- 4 oz pancetta (diced)

STEP 2: Build the Flavor Base
Add the onion and bell pepper to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
-- 1/2 large yellow onion (diced)
-- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
-- 3 cloves garlic (minced)

STEP 3: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
-- 1 lb ground beef

STEP 4: Bloom the Spices
Stir everything into the pot and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant and the tomato paste deepens in color.
-- 1/2 tbsp tomato paste
-- 1 tbsp brown sugar
-- 1 tbsp chili powder
-- 1 tbsp ancho chili powder
-- 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
-- 1 tsp cumin
-- 1 tsp onion powder
-- 3/4 tsp ground black pepper
-- 1/2 tsp salt
-- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
-- 1/4 tsp chipotle powder

STEP 5: Add the Beans & Tomatoes
Stir in the beans and tomatoes until fully combined.
-- 15 oz can dark red kidney beans (drained/rinsed)
-- 15 oz can black beans (drained/rinsed)
-- 14.5 oz can diced fire-roasted tomatoes with green chiles

STEP 6: Simmer Low & Slow
Pour in the broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Partially cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-- 1 1/4 cups beef broth
-- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

STEP 7: Serve, Top, & Enjoy!
Serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as: Sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese, sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and/or crushed tortilla chips or corn chips.

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Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

390 calories | 28g protein | 30g carbs | 18g fat