Bacon Bourbon Beef Chili Recipe

This isn’t your average beef chili. It’s smoky from the bacon, rich from the bourbon, and perfectly balanced with spice and sweetness.

The bourbon adds a subtle caramel undertone that enhances the savory meat and tomatoes, while crispy bacon pieces add crunch and saltiness in every bite.

It’s a chili that feels like a warm, cozy night by the fire.

Jump to Recipe

Bacon Bourbon Beef Chili elevates classic chili with smoky bacon, smooth bourbon, and richly seasoned beef for bold, comforting flavor.

The bourbon adds subtle warmth and caramel depth, while the bacon brings irresistible smokiness.

It’s the perfect hearty dish for game day, chilly nights, or any time you want big, unforgettable flavor.

Recipe Highlights:

• Deep, smoky, and bold bourbon flavor
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• Crispy bacon bits throughout
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• Comforting and hearty with just the right spice
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• Perfect for game day, cold nights, or dinner parties
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• Freezes and reheats beautifully

Rich and Hearty Chili Experience

Imagine a steaming bowl of Bacon Bourbon Beef Chili, where the rich flavors of chopped, thick-cut bacon and ground beef come together in a delightful harmony.

This dish is perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, offering a satisfying warmth that envelops you with each spoonful.

The vibrant colors of crushed tomatoes and kidney beans create an inviting visual appeal, while the addition of spices like chili powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika enhances the overall flavor profile.

Each bite is a celebration of hearty ingredients, including diced yellow onion and minced cloves of garlic, which provide a robust base for this chili.

How Do You Make My Bacon Bourbon Beef Chili?

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot.
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2. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the bacon fat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
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3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the onion and garlic; cook for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
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4. Deglaze with Bourbon: Carefully pour in the bourbon, scraping the bottom of the pot to release the flavorful bits. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to cook off the alcohol and concentrate the flavor.
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5. Add Spices & Tomato Paste: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and brown sugar. Add tomato paste and stir to combine.
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6. Build the Base: Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
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7. Add Beans & Bacon: Stir in kidney beans (if using) and half of the cooked bacon. Simmer for 25–30 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally.
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8. Finish & Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, topped with remaining crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of green onions.

Preparation and Cooking Process

Preparing this chili is straightforward and takes about one hour from start to finish.

Begin by cooking the chopped bacon until crispy, allowing the rendered fat to infuse the dish with flavor.

Next, brown the ground beef in the same pot, ensuring it is well-cooked and flavorful.

Once the beef is browned, sauté the diced yellow onion and minced garlic until the onion turns translucent.

This step is crucial for building the chili’s aromatic foundation. The addition of bourbon whiskey brings a unique depth, deglazing the pot and lifting the flavors from the bottom.

Flavorful Ingredients Unite

The magic happens when you mix in the remaining ingredients. Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and drained, rinsed kidney beans.

Pour in the beef broth and sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and brown sugar.

This combination creates a rich and hearty base that is sure to please.

Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, allowing the chili to simmer for 30-40 minutes.

This step is essential for melding the flavors together, resulting in a dish that is both filling and delicious.

Ingredient Notes

• Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for the best smoky crunch. It adds depth and saltiness that infuses the entire chili.
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• Ground Beef: An 85/15 blend provides the perfect balance of flavor and fat without being greasy.
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• Bourbon Whiskey: A smooth, slightly sweet bourbon enhances the tomato base with warmth and complexity.
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• Onion & Garlic: Build the foundation of flavor and sweetness that balances the spice.
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• Tomato Paste: Adds richness and body, helping the chili achieve a hearty texture.
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• Crushed Tomatoes: The base that ties everything together, providing acidity and depth.
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• Kidney Beans: Optional but traditional; add heartiness and texture.
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• Beef Broth: Helps meld all the flavors together while keeping the chili moist and silky.
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• Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, and Cumin: These spices give that unmistakable chili kick with a smoky finish.
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• Brown Sugar: Just a touch balances the acidity of the tomatoes and amplifies the bourbon’s sweetness.
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• Salt & Black Pepper: Brings harmony to all the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes time to serve, ladle the chili into bowls and top it with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and extra bacon bits for that added crunch.

The toppings not only enhance the flavor but also add a delightful texture that complements the chili’s richness.

Pair this hearty dish with a side of cornbread for a complete meal that warms the soul. The rustic wooden table setting, complete with a spoon and cornbread, creates a cozy atmosphere that invites everyone to gather around and enjoy.

This Bacon Bourbon Beef Chili is fantastic served with:

• Buttery cornbread or cheddar biscuits
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• Over-baked potatoes or crispy fries
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• With a dollop of sour cream and shredded cheese
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• A side salad with ranch dressing to balance the richness
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• A chilled glass of bourbon or a dark beer

Nutritional Information

This Bacon Bourbon Beef Chili serves approximately six bowls, making it a perfect option for family dinners or meal prep.

Each serving contains around 420 calories, with a balance of 25g of fat and 30g of protein, ensuring a satisfying and hearty meal.

The combination of ingredients not only provides a delightful taste but also offers nutritional benefits, making it a well-rounded choice for any occasion.

Tips for the Best Bacon Bourbon Beef Chili

Always use good-quality bourbon—something smooth enough to sip—because it makes a noticeable difference in flavor.

Don’t skip browning the beef well; that caramelization is where the depth comes from.

If you prefer a thicker chili, simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to reduce the liquid. Want extra heat?

Add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers in adobo. And for a restaurant-style finish, stir in a small knob of butter just before serving—it rounds out the flavors beautifully.

Storage and Warming

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warm.

For long-term storage, freeze up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Absolutely. In fact, Bacon Bourbon Beef Chili tastes even better the next day because the flavors have more time to meld together. Simply let it cool completely, store it in the refrigerator, and gently reheat before serving.

How can I thicken the chili if it’s too thin?

If your chili is thinner than you’d like, let it simmer uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to reduce naturally. You can also stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste or mash a small portion of the beans (if using) to create a thicker consistency.

What toppings pair best with this chili?

Classic toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and sliced green onions work beautifully. For extra richness, try crispy bacon crumbles or even a drizzle of bourbon-infused barbecue sauce for a bold finishing touch.

Does the alcohol cook out completely?

Most of the alcohol evaporates during simmering, leaving behind flavor rather than alcohol content.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the bacon and beef first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.

What bourbon works best?

A mid-range bourbon with balanced sweetness and oak notes works best. Avoid overly smoky or heavily sweet varieties.