• 6 ounces (170 g) slab bacon, cut into lardons
• 6 ounces (170 g) slab bacon, coarsely ground in a food processor
• 2 pounds (910 g) ground chuck (80/20)
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 large Spanish onion, finely diced
• 6 piquillo peppers, seeded and finely diced
• 6 Fresno chiles, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (28-ounce/794-g) can plum tomatoes and juices, crushed
• 1 tablespoon pureed chipotles in adobo
• 8 ounces (225 g) cooked black beans, drained
• 8 ounces (225 g) cooked red beans, drained
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• ½ cup (55 g) Bacon Bits
• 8 ounces (225 g) shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 8 ounces (240 ml) sour cream (optional)
• Pickled jalapeños (optional)

In a large Dutch oven, cook the bacon lardons over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the fat has rendered and the bacon is crisp, about 8 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon to a medium bowl. Increase the heat to high and cook until the rendered fat begins to shimmer.

Add the ground bacon and beef to the pot, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring a few times, until golden brown, about 7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the meat to the bowl with the bacon lardons. Remove all but ¼ cup (60 ml) of fat from the pan and reserve for another use. Add the onion, piquillo peppers, and chiles and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Increase the heat to high, add the tomatoes, ½ cup (120 ml) water, and the chipotles and bring to a boil.

Return all of the meat to the pot, then add the beans, cumin, and oregano and bring back to a boil. Lower the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 45 minutes.

Ladle the chili into bowls and top with a sprinkling of bacon bits, cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a few pickled jalapeños, if desired. The chili will keep, tightly covered, in the refrigerator for 2 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.