Chili (Ham & Bacon)

This is a classic chili recipe with a twist using bacon and ham for a different flavour. This easy chili with is full of onions, peppers, celery, garlic, beans and tomatoes making it very hearty. Spice level and gravy thickness are easily modified to your taste. The slow simmer does most of the work for you, making it a great weekend meal when you are busy doing other things.

1 lb bacon, chopped
2 cups onions, chopped (~ 2 medium onions)
2 cups bell peppers, preferably different colours, chopped (~ 3 medium peppers)
2 cups celery, chopped, with leaves (~ ½ bunch celery)
3 cups cooked ham, cubed
8-10 cloves garlic, chopped
2 (28 oz) can whole tomatoes, with juices
1 (11.5 oz) jar roasted peppers (340 mL)
1 (22 oz) jar passata (660 mL)
1-2 Tbsp. dried oregano
1-2 Tbsp. chili powder
1 (19 oz) can pinto or navy beans, drained (540 mL)
1 (19 oz) can Romano or Northern beans, drained (540 mL)
1 (19 oz) can red or white kidney beans, drained (540 mL)
1 (14.5 oz) can baked beans in tomato sauce (398 mL)

Garnish:
sour cream
shredded cheddar cheese
chopped peppers

In a large skillet, on medium heat, cook the bacon until brown on both sides and most of the fat has burned away. Remove slices from the skillet and place in the slow cooker.

In the same skillet, cook the onions and peppers in the bacon fat, until lightly browned. Remove from the skillet and place in the slow cooker.

In the same skillet, brown the sausage meat, making sure to break up any large clumps. When there is no pink remaining, remove from the skillet and place in the slow cooker.

In the same skillet, cook the sausages in the bacon fat, until browned on both sides. Remove from the skillet and slice into ¼" pieces, then place in the slow cooker.

Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, garlic, oregano and chili powder to the slow cooker. Gently stir until all ingredients are combined. Add all the beans and gently stir once more.

Cover with a lid. Cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours.

Store overnight and reheat the next day for best flavour with toppings of your choice.

Makes 8-10 servings.