Blackberry Farm Brewery Benton’s Bacon and Beef Chili

We collected the top requested recipes of 2022 that guests loved from the restaurants at Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain. We also wanted to share a standout favorite from Blackberry Farm Brewery!

Chef Trevor Iaconis’ Benton’s Bacon and Beef Chili was a hit at the Taproom, perfect for pairing with a great beer.

Benton’s Bacon and Beef Chili
Serves 8 to 10

Ingredients:
2 ½ Tablespoons chili powder
2 Tablespoons salt
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 ounces Benton’s Bacon, Diced
2 pounds ground beef
2 onions, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
4 ounces tomato paste
1 28-ounce can Bush’s Chili Beans, with juice
2 16-ounce cans Bush’s Pinto Beans, drained
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes, with juice
1 teaspoon sambal olek
½ cup water

Additional ingredients for serving:
Sour cream
Shredded cheese
Sliced scallions
Corn chips

To make:
Combine the chili powder, salt, garlic powder, cumin, black pepper and cayenne pepper in a small bowl.

Place the bacon in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, set over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until the fat has been rendered and the bacon is crisp. Add the ground beef, onions, bell pepper and half of the spice mixture, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and the onions are translucent, 7 to 8 minutes. Break up the meat so that it cooks evenly.

Add the tomato paste and cook 3 to 4 minutes. Add the remaining spice mixture, chili beans, pinto beans, crushed tomatoes, sambal and water, and stir to combine. Decrease the heat to low and simmer for 1 to 1 ½ hours, stirring occasionally.

Serve with sour cream, shredded cheese, sliced scallions and your favorite corn chips.

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