Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 6 slices bacon, diced
  • 2 onions, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, very finely minced
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 (28 ounce) can tomatoes, diced
  • 4 cups chicken stock or 4 cups vegetable stock
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 (19 ounce) can dark red kidney beans, well rinsed
  • 1 (19 ounce) can beans, well rinsed (the 6 or 7 mixed variety)
  • 1 (14 ounce) can pork and beans in tomato sauce (do NOT rinse)
  • 1 cup carrot, fine dice
  • 1 cup celery, fine dice
  • 1 cup potato, fine dice
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • salt and pepper

Method

  • In a large, heavy saucepan, heat oil; add bacon and cook till golden.
  • Drain excess fat.
  • Add onion and garlic and cook till softened.
  • Add beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking apart with a spoon.
  • Add tomatoes, stock and water; bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
  • Add kidney beans, mixed beans, baked beans, carrots, celery, potatoes, chili powder, basil and Worcestershire.
  • Bring to a boil, reduce heat and cook, covered, for 30 minutes.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.