My Famous Chili Con Carne

• 1 lb ground buffalo meat or 1 lb ground beef
• 4 -6 slices bacon, cut into 1/2 in. chunks
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 1 large sweet onion, chopped
• 1 head garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons chili powder (or more)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt (or more)
• 1 dash ground cayenne pepper (or more)
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• shredded cheese (optional)

1. Heat oil on medium high in pot.
2. Cook bacon 2 mins, stirring often.
3. Add carrots and onion, cook until almost done.
4. Add garlic, cook 1 minute.
5. Add meat, season with salt, cook until browned.
6. Stir in beans, tomatoes, chili powder, bay leaf, cayenne, oregano- bring to boil.
7. Turn down to low.
8. Cover and simmer at least an hour, stirring occasionally (The longer it cooks the thicker it gets and better it tastes).
9. Season to taste.
10. (Serve with shredded cheese on top and cornbread on the side).

ground buffalo meat, bacon, olive oil, carrots, sweet onion, garlic, pinto beans, tomatoes, chili powder, bay leaf, salt, ground cayenne pepper, oregano, cheese

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/my-famous-chili-con-carne-205836 (may not work)