Cheesy Bacon Chili Bake
A hearty, cheesy casserole blending smoky bacon and chili with a melty top. Serves 4.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
Servings:
2 servings
(originally 4 servings)Ingredients(scaled)
- 3 slices bacon, chopped
- ½ medium onion, diced
- 1 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ pound ground beef
- ½ can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 cups chili sauce or crushed tomatoes
- ½ tablespoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- ½ Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook bacon in a skillet until crisp; transfer to paper towels.
- In the same pan, sauté onion and garlic until translucent, 3–4 minutes; add beef and cook until browned, 6–8 minutes.
- Stir in beans, diced tomatoes, chili sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, sugar, salt, and pepper; simmer 5 minutes.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish; sprinkle with cheddar and mozzarella, then top with crumbled bacon.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling; finish under broiler ~2 minutes if desired. Garnish with cilantro.
Chef’s Pro Tips
- Use leftover chili as topping for a thicker bake.
- For a lighter version, use turkey bacon and lean beef.
- Let bake rest 5 minutes before serving for cleaner slices.
Nutritional Estimates
Per serving · 2 servings total
| calories | 540 |
|---|---|
| protein | 34 g |
| carbohydrates | 34 g |
| fat | 28 g |
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