Quick Beef-&-Bacon Chili & Beans  | 
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                                            Prep Time: 20 Minutes Cook Time: 35 Minutes  | 
                                            Ready In: 55 Minutes Servings: 6  | 
                                         
                                        
                                     
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                    Another winner from our  The Chili Cookbook  by Norman Kolpas. This was easy to make, came together quickly, and made for a tasty lunch. We omitted the sour cream as neither of us really care for it. Ingredients: 
                    
                        
                                                3 tablespoons vegetable oil  |  
                                                4 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped  |  
                                                3 medium onions, finely chopped  |  
                                                1 green bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch dice  |  
                                                1/2 lb streaky bacon, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch wide strips  |  
                                                3/4 lb lean ground beef  |  
                                                1 tablespoon chili powder  |  
                                                1 tablespoon cayenne pepper  |  
                                                1 tablespoon ground cumin  |  
                                                1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes  |  
                                                2 (8 3/4 ounce) cans kidney beans, drained  |  
                                                2 tablespoons tomato paste  |  
                                                1 tablespoon brown sugar  |  
                                                1 tablespoon dried oregano leaves  |  
                                                1 teaspoon salt  |  
                                                1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper  |  
                                                1/4 lb sharp cheddar cheese, coarsely shrededed (1 cup)  |  
                                                1 medium red onion, finely chopped (for garnish)  |  
                                                1/2 cup sour cream, for garnish  |  
                                                
                     
                    Directions: 
                    
                        
                            
                                1. In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic, onions, bell pepper and bacon, and saute until onions are translucent and bacon begins to color slightly, 2 to 3 minutes. 2. Add beef and saute, stirring to break up meat into fine particles, until evenly browned, 7 to 10 minutes. 3. Add chili powder, cayenne and cumin and saute 1 minute more. 4. Add remaining ingredients, except garnishes, bring to a boil and continue simmering until thick, about 20 minutes. 5. Serve in individual bowls garnished with cheese, onion, and sour cream.                              | 
                         
                         
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