Hearty Chili Con Carne Recipe: A Cozy Bowl of Smoky Goodness

Spicy aromas of chili con carne waft through kitchens, promising comfort and satisfaction.

Hearty beans mingle with tender meat, creating a symphony of flavors.

Generations have treasured this classic dish for its warming embrace.

Cumin and chili peppers dance together, telling stories of mexican culinary traditions.

Bold ingredients blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor each delectable bite.

Robust and satisfying, this recipe will become your go-to meal for cozy evenings.

We promise you’ll fall in love with every mouthwatering spoonful.

Essential Elements of Chili Con Carne

• Conquer Comfort Food: Dive into a hearty, soul-warming dish that brings pure satisfaction with every spoonful, perfect for chasing away hunger and lifting spirits.
• Master One-Pot Magic: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this streamlined recipe that combines all ingredients in a single pot, saving time and reducing dishwashing stress.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Easily adapt the spice levels and toppings to suit personal preferences, making this chili a crowd-pleasing favorite for families and gatherings.
• Quick Cooking Triumph: Prepare a delicious meal in under an hour, packed with protein and bold flavors that will impress everyone at the table without demanding complex cooking skills.

Ingredients Required for Chili Con Carne

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides richness and protein to the chili.

• Onions, Garlic: Add depth and foundational flavor to the chili's overall taste profile.
• Bell Pepper: Introduces a mild sweetness and extra vegetable texture to the dish.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Pepper: Create a complex and warming spice blend that gives the chili its signature bold and zesty flavor.

• Diced Tomatoes, Beef Broth: Provide moisture and help create a rich, saucy consistency for the chili.

• Kidney Beans: Add extra protein, texture, and a classic chili component.

• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté the vegetables and ensures nothing sticks to the pot.

How to Prepare Chili Con Carne

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until they become soft and translucent, releasing their delightful fragrance.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat turns a rich golden brown and develops a deep, savory flavor.

Step 3: Add Colorful Vegetables

Introduce diced bell peppers to the pot, stirring and cooking for 3-4 minutes to soften and blend the vegetable flavors with the meat.

Step 4: Create Flavor Explosion

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir constantly and cook for 1-2 minutes to awaken the spices’ intense aromatics.

Step 5: Build the Chili Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Kidney beans
• Beef broth

Stir everything together, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

Let the chili simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and develop a rich, hearty consistency.

Step 7: Final Touches and Serving

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Serve piping hot, topped with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, dollop of sour cream, or fresh chopped cilantro.

Tips to Perfect Chili Con Carne

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier chili con carne dish.
• Replace ground beef with plant-based alternatives like textured vegetable protein for a vegetarian version.
• Add a splash of dark beer or red wine during simmering to enhance the depth of flavor and create a richer taste profile.
• Control the spice level by adjusting cayenne pepper quantity or using mild chili powder for sensitive palates.
• Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months, ensuring a quick and delicious meal is always ready.

Flavor Variations for Chili Con Carne

• Vegetarian Chili: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version.
• Spicy Southwest Chili: Add jalapeños and chipotle peppers for an extra kick of heat and smoky flavor.
• Low-Carb Chili Bowl: Swap kidney beans for cauliflower or zucchini chunks to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Turkey Chili Lean: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter, protein-packed alternative.

Serving Suggestions for Chili Con Carne

• Fiesta Night Centerpiece: Transform your chili into a vibrant party dish by setting up a toppings bar with shredded cheese, diced onions, jalapeños, sour cream, and chopped cilantro, letting guests customize their bowls.
• Hearty Comfort Bowl: Serve the chili over fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes, creating a comforting one-dish meal that warms you from the inside out.
• Loaded Chili Nachos: Spread tortilla chips on a large platter, pour the hot chili over them, and top with melted cheese, sliced green onions, and a dollop of guacamole for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or game day snack.

Proper Storage Tips for Chili Con Carne

• Refrigerate chili con carne in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Freeze chili in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 4-6 months, leaving some space for expansion.
• Label containers with the date to track storage time and maintain food quality.

FAQs

• What are the key spices in this chili con carne recipe?

The key spices are chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper, which provide a rich, complex flavor profile with varying levels of heat and depth.

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives for a different protein option.

• How spicy is this chili con carne?

The spice level depends on the amount of cayenne pepper you add. Start with a small amount and adjust to your personal heat tolerance, or omit it completely for a milder version.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check your specific spice blends and broth to ensure they don’t contain hidden gluten sources.

Authentic Chili Con Carne Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty chili con carne brings Mexican-inspired comfort to dinner tables across North America. Robust beef, aromatic spices, and rich tomato sauce combine in a soul-warming dish you’ll crave during chilly evenings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb / 454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Spices and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm a generously-sized cooking vessel over medium heat, introducing olive oil to create a fragrant base.
2. Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until they transform into a translucent, aromatic foundation.
3. Introduce ground beef to the pot, methodically crumbling and browning the meat while ensuring even cooking.
4. Incorporate diced bell peppers, allowing them to soften and meld with the meat for approximately 3-4 minutes.
5. Sprinkle a harmonious blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper, toasting the spices to intensify their robust flavors.
6. Pour in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and rich beef broth, stirring to create a cohesive, vibrant mixture.
7. Elevate the temperature until the contents reach a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 20-25 minutes.
8. Taste and recalibrate seasonings as needed, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
9. Ladle the hearty chili into serving bowls, garnishing with optional toppings like shredded cheese, dollops of sour cream, or fresh cilantro sprigs.

Notes

• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on heat tolerance, starting with a smaller amount for milder versions.
• Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans for a protein-rich meat-free alternative.
• For a thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered to reduce liquid and concentrate flavors during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• This dish tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop and meld overnight in the refrigerator.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 332 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg