Cowboy Chili {tasty thursday}

Seriously delicious Chili here y'all! We were watching Rachel Ray's new show - 5 meals, 1 day - and the hubs looked at this & said it looked great, so we had it for Sunday dinner. The. Best. Rachel. Ray. recipe. ever. period. Here's the recipe on Food Network.

What you need:
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 6 slices smoky bacon, chopped, optional
• 1 1/2 pounds coarse-ground sirloin
• 2 Idaho or russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 Fresno chili peppers, sliced
• 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 large fresh bay leaf
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 (12-ounce) bottle beer {I used Corona Light}
• 4 cups beef stock {I used 3 cups}
• 1/4 cup thick Worcestershire sauce
• 1 (16-ounce) can baked beans
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes or diced tomatoes
• Scallions, thinly sliced on an angle for topping

What to do:
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the bacon, cook until browned, and remove with slotted spoon.



Add the beef, brown well, and then add the potatoes, onions, chilis, carrot, garlic, chili powder, and bay leaf. Season the mixture liberally with salt and pepper, and cook 10 minutes more, stirring frequently.

Add the beer and stir about 2 minutes, or until the beer almost cooks out completely.

Stir in the stock, thick Worcestershire sauce, baked beans, bacon, and tomatoes, and thicken to desired consistency, about 20 to 45 minutes over a steady simmer for loose to super-thick chili.

Serve with cornbread and enjoy!

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