Black Bean Chili with Ground Turkey and Bacon

Beans, especially dried beans are a great way to bring protein and fiber into your diet for just pennies.  This February, our Frugal Living Forum Ingredient of the Month Challenge was Dried Beans.  So, it was the perfect time to experiment with a black bean chili recipe.  This one turned out really well.  Adjust the spices to your own taste.  I added a few drops of Tabasco to mine as well, after cooking.

Black Bean Chili with Ground Turkey and Bacon

1 lb. ground turkey
6 slices bacon
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 C. dried black beans, soaked* or 3 (15-oz.) cans black beans, undrained
2 (14.5-oz.) cans diced tomatoes
1 Tbsp. chili powder
2 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. chipotle chili powder
1 tsp. oregano
1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
1 to 1 1/2 C. beef broth, as necessary

In a skillet, brown the ground turkey.  Drain and set aside.  Cook the bacon, reserving 2 Tbsp. of the drippings.   sauté onion and garlic in bacon drippings.  When cool, crumble the bacon.   Transfer ground turkey, bacon, onion, and garlic to a medium-sized pot.  Heat on low.  Add tomatoes, spices, and red wine vinegar.  Add beef broth as needed to reach desired consistency.  Simmer, covered, for one hour.

Serve with sour cream and cheddar cheese if desired.

*If you’ve never soaked dried beans before, here’s what you need to know:  Cooking Dried Beans.  

Have leftover chili?  Here are some tips on how to use it:  Leftover Chili Ideas and Recipes