Here’s a hearty, comforting Beef & Bacon Corn Chowder — rich, smoky, and perfect for a cozy meal 🥣🥓
🥓🥩 Beef & Bacon Corn Chowder
🧾 Ingredients
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6 slices bacon, chopped
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1 lb beef (ground beef or small diced chuck)
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
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3 cups beef broth
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2 cups milk (or half-and-half for richer chowder)
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2 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned & drained)
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2 medium potatoes, diced
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp black pepper
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Salt, to taste
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Optional: ½ tsp thyme or cajun seasoning
🔪 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Bacon
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In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp.
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Remove bacon and set aside, leaving drippings in the pot.
2️⃣ Brown the Beef
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Add beef to the bacon fat and brown well.
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Drain excess grease if needed.
3️⃣ Build the Flavor
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Add onion; cook until soft.
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Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
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Sprinkle in flour; stir and cook 1 minute.
4️⃣ Simmer the Chowder
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Slowly stir in beef broth, scraping the bottom.
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Add potatoes, corn, paprika, pepper, and seasoning.
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Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
5️⃣ Make It Creamy
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Stir in milk.
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Simmer 5–10 minutes (do not boil).
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Taste and adjust salt.
6️⃣ Finish & Serve
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Stir bacon back in.
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Serve hot with crusty bread or cornbread.
🟢 Tips
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Mash a few potatoes in the pot for thicker chowder
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Swap beef for ground sausage for extra flavor
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Add shredded cheddar on top for richness
🔁 Variations
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Spicy: Add diced jalapeño or cayenne
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Vegetable boost: Add carrots or celery
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Slow cooker: Brown meat first, then cook low 6–7 hours
If you want, I can:
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Make this extra thick
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Turn it into a one-pot freezer meal
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Adapt it for campfire or Dutch oven cooking