Shay's Big Pot of Chili

Cold weather is almost here - and what better way to keep your family happy & fed than with a homemade pot of chili! Enjoy Shay's big ole' pot of chili recipe featuring applewood smoked bacon, spicy Italian sausage, ground beef and more making it chunky and delicious. Trust us...you won't need any crackers with this chili, it's a meal all its own!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds apple-wood-smoked bacon, diced into 1 inch squares
• 4 pounds spicy Italian pork sausage, removed from casings
• 6 pounds ground beef
• 1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
• 3 red bell peppers, chopped
• 4 large onions, finely chopped
• 3 carrots, grated
• 8 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 4 cans (28 oz each) chili beans
• 6 lb 10 oz crushed tomatoes
• 6 lb 10 oz tomato sauce
• 2 cups ketchup
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 4 tablespoons red chili powder
• 2 tablespoons Sriracha chili sauce
• 2 ounces unsweetened baker’s chocolate
• 1 parmesan rind

Directions

1. In a large pan, cook bacon until crispy; drain and add to a 3-gallon pot.
2. Drain off the bacon grease. Brown the sausage in the same pan; drain and add to the pot.
3. Drain off the fat from the pan again. Brown the ground beef; drain and add to the pot with the other meats.
4. Add all of the remaining ingredients and bring to a bubble, stirring periodically. Then, lower heat and simmer on low for at least 6 hours.
5. Serve with chili toppings if you'd like (shredded cheese, sour cream, green onion or chives), Frito scoops, quesadillas, or bread bowl.