Cook the Bacon: Start by cooking the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it's crispy. Once done, drain it on a paper towel to absorb excess grease.

Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté the finely diced red and green bell peppers, celery, onion, jalapeño (if using), and minced garlic until they become tender.

Combine with Tomato Paste: Add the spices and tomato paste to the vegetables, cooking until the mixture is fragrant. Then, transfer everything to your slow cooker.

Add the Beans and Tomatoes: Pour in the chili beans and petite diced tomatoes to the slow cooker. Don’t forget to add the sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and beef bouillon cubes!

Brown the Meats: In the skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage until cooked through. Drain the fat, then add the meats to the slow cooker.

Mix in the Bacon: Gently stir in the crispy bacon, then cover the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours.

Taste and Adjust: After cooking, take a moment to taste your chili. This is the perfect time to adjust seasonings to your liking.