Step 1

Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add in the bacon and cook for 7-8 minutes (or until the bacon is almost well done). Remove the bacon from the pot and leave the drippings behind.

Step 2

Turn the heat down to medium, and add in the ground beef. Break the beef up in the pot, then add in the diced onions. Cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink (around 8 minutes). While cooking, break the ground beef into small crumbly pieces. When the beef is done, drain and discard any excess grease.

Step 3

Add the garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix with the ground beef. Let the ground beef saute with the spices for 2 minutes (or until the spices are aromatic), then mix in the flour, and stir until the beef is coated.

Step 4

Stir in the tomato sauce and tomato paste. Turn the heat up to medium-high (until it starts to bubble). Once bubbling, turn the heat down to low and cover. Let simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 5

Stir the bacon pieces back into the chili. Add in the sugar, stir, and cover again. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes. The chili is ready when it has completely thickened.

Step 6

Serve the chili on hot dogs, a baked potato, or on chili fries!