FULL FLAVOR AMAZING CHILI

Steps:

• Brown ground beef in a large saute pan, until cooked through. Drain well and set aside.
• Wipe pan dry and brown bacon. Remove bacon, set aside, and drain out all but 1 tablespoon of bacon grease.
• Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to pan. Saute onions, peppers and garlic until soft (about 10 min).
• Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, peppers, garlic, meat and spices. Stir to combine, cook for about 3 minutes.
• Add bay leaf, tomatoes with liquid, tomato paste, beer, lime juice, and brown sugar, and crumbled bacon. Allow to cook until foam subsides, while stirring.
• Cover pot and lower heat to a simmer. Simmer covered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until thickened slightly.
• Drain and rinse beans. Add beans and 1 cup cilantro to pot. Check and adjust seasoning, if needed, with salt and pepper. Cook an additional 45 minutes to an hour, until thickened.
• **If not thickened enough, a mixture of cornstarch and water can be added, increasing heat and stirring constantly until thickened.
• Remove bay leaf, and serve with desired garnishes.