HOT CHILI WITH MEAT

5 slices bacon
1 1/2 lb. beef stew meat, diced
1 sm. green bell pepper, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 to 1 1/2 tbsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper
1/4 tsp. dried oregano, crushed
1 (12 oz.) can tomato paste
8 oz. chorizo or Italian sausage links, sliced
2 med. onions, chopped (1 c.)
2 pickled jalapeno peppers, rinsed, seeded and chopped
1 tsp. salt
2 1/2 c. water
1 (15 1/2 oz.) can pinto beans, drained

In large saucepan or Dutch oven, cook bacon until crisp; drain and crumble. Discard drippings; set aside. Brown sausage in same pan. Drain sausage, reserving 2 tablespoons drippings; set sausage aside. In reserved drippings, brown diced beef, onions, green pepper and garlic. Add the cooked bacon, sausage, jalapeno peppers, chili powder, crushed red pepper, salt and oregano. Stir in water and tomato paste. Bring to boiling; simmer, uncovered, for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. Stir in beans; simmer, covered, for 30 minutes more. Makes 8 servings.