Hearty Chili Con Carne Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Family Favorite

Crafting a hearty chili con carne brings warmth to your kitchen on chilly evenings.

Robust flavors dance through this classic Mexican-inspired dish, promising comfort in every spoonful.

Meat lovers appreciate the rich blend of spices and tender beef simmering slowly.

Authentic ingredients combine to create a meal that feels like a culinary embrace.

Peppers, beans, and aromatic seasonings meld together, building layers of deep, satisfying taste.

Adventurous home cooks can easily master this crowd-pleasing recipe with just a few simple techniques.

Why Chili Con Carne Is a Timeless Classic

• Boost Flavor Complexity: Blend of guajillo and ancho peppers creates a deep, rich sauce that transforms ordinary chili into a gourmet experience with layers of authentic Mexican taste.
• Master One-Pot Cooking: Streamlined preparation using the same pot for browning meat and simmering reduces cleanup time and simplifies the cooking process for busy home chefs.
• Customize Your Comfort: Flexible recipe allows adding optional ingredients like beans or Worcestershire sauce, letting you personalize the chili to match your family's unique preferences and dietary needs.
• Impressive Slow-Cooked Tenderness: Extended simmering breaks down chuck roast into melt-in-your-mouth meat chunks, delivering restaurant-quality results with minimal active cooking effort.

Ingredients for Chili Con Carne

• Chuck Roast: A flavorful and tender cut perfect for slow-cooking chili.

• Guajillo Peppers, Ancho Peppers: Classic Mexican dried chilies that provide deep, rich flavor and mild heat to the chili sauce.
• Jalapenos: Fresh peppers that add a bright, spicy kick to the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing the overall flavor of the meat and chili.
• Paprika: Adds a sweet and slightly smoky flavor to the meat.
• Mexican Oregano: Provides an authentic Mexican herb profile with a more intense flavor than regular oregano.
• Brown Sugar: Balances the heat and adds a subtle sweetness to the chili.
• Cumin, Coriander: Warm spices that contribute depth and complexity to the chili's flavor.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic base ingredients that build a strong flavor foundation for the chili.

• Olive Oil: Used for browning the meat and sautéing vegetables.
• Beef Stock, Tomato Sauce: Provides moisture and additional depth to the chili.

• Worcestershire Sauce, Beans: Additional flavor enhancers that can be added to customize the chili.

• Crema, Cilantro, Shredded Cheese: Garnishes that add freshness, creaminess, and extra flavor to the final dish.

How to Make Chili Con Carne

Step 1: Prepare Pepper Base

Soak dried guajillo and ancho peppers in hot water until soft.

Blend the peppers into a smooth, vibrant sauce.

If using dried peppers isn’t convenient, substitute with ground pepper powders for an equally intense flavor profile.

Step 2: Season Meat Masterfully

• Salt
• Paprika
• Mexican oregano
• Black pepper
• Brown sugar
• Cumin
• Coriander

Ensure each meat piece is thoroughly covered for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Sear meat cubes until they develop a rich, golden-brown crust on all sides.

This process locks in the juices and creates a deep flavor foundation.

Remove browned meat and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Chopped jalapeños
• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

The residual meat drippings will add extra depth to the vegetable base.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Return the browned meat to the pot.

Pour in the pepper sauce, beef stock, and additional salt.

Cover and simmer on low heat for approximately 2 hours, or until the meat becomes incredibly tender and falls apart easily.

Step 6: Final Flavor Adjustments

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Consider adding optional flavor enhancers like Worcestershire sauce.

If desired, incorporate beans for additional texture and protein.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the chili to serving bowls.

• Crema
• Fresh cilantro
• Shredded cheese
• Diced onions

Enjoy your hearty, spice-packed chili con carne!

Tips for Perfect Chili Con Carne

• Use both whole dried guajillo and ancho peppers for deeper, richer flavor compared to ground pepper powders, creating a more authentic chili sauce.
• Choose well-marbled chuck roast and cut into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking and tender, succulent meat that falls apart easily.
• Toast spices briefly before adding to develop more intense flavors, enhancing the overall depth and complexity of your chili.
• Allow the chili to simmer low and slow for at least 2 hours, which helps break down tough meat fibers and allows spices to meld together perfectly.
• Easily make this recipe gluten-free by checking stock ingredients and swap meat for plant-based alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs.

Variations on Chili Con Carne

• Vegetarian Chili Alternative: Replace chuck roast with plant-based protein like textured vegetable protein (TVP), lentils, or black beans for a meat-free version.
• Spicy Chipotle Variation: Swap guajillo and ancho peppers with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smokier, more intense heat profile.
• Lean Protein Option: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef chuck roast for a lower-fat alternative that maintains rich flavor complexity.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after browning meat and let simmer on low for 6-8 hours for tender, deeply infused results.

Serving Suggestions for Chili Con Carne

• Cozy Family Feast: Pair this hearty chili with warm cornbread for a comforting meal that'll make everyone smile.
• Tex-Mex Style Platter: Create a customizable taco bar with soft tortillas, crispy tortilla chips, diced onions, and sliced jalapeños for guests to build their perfect chili dish.
• Campfire Companion: Serve in rustic bowls alongside grilled corn on the cob and a cold beer for an authentic southwestern dining experience that transports you to a laid-back outdoor gathering.
• Rice Bed Delight: Ladle the rich chili over fluffy white or brown rice, adding a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for a complete and satisfying meal.

How to Store Chili Con Carne

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain flavor intensity.
• Transfer chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Flat storage saves freezer space.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each cycle until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of beef stock to prevent drying.
• Warm chili in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little water or stock to restore moisture. Heat until steaming and reaching 165°F internal temperature for food safety.

FAQs

• What peppers give the best flavor for chili con carne?

Guajillo and ancho peppers provide a deep, complex flavor with mild heat. They create a rich, authentic Mexican taste that elevates the traditional chili recipe.

• Can I use different cuts of meat for this recipe?

Chuck roast is ideal because it’s fatty and becomes tender when slow-cooked. However, you can also use beef brisket or short ribs for similar results.

• How do I know when the meat is perfectly cooked?

The meat should be fork-tender and easily break apart after simmering for about 2 hours. When you can shred the meat with a fork, it’s ready.

Chili Con Carne Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican chili con carne delivers robust flavors that dance across spicy and savory landscapes, bringing robust beef and rich beans together in one comforting bowl. Warmth and depth invite you to savor each satisfying spoonful of this classic southwestern comfort dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 3.5 pounds chuck roast, cut into 0.75 – 1 inch cubes (1.6 kilograms)

Peppers and Spices:

• 4 guajillo peppers (or 1.5 tablespoons ground guajillo powder)
• 4 ancho peppers (or 1.5 tablespoons ground ancho powder)
• 2 jalapeno peppers, chopped
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon Mexican oregano
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Salt to taste

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 – 4 cups beef stock (or tomato sauce or fire-roasted tomatoes)
• 0.47 – 0.95 liters (16 – 32 fluid ounces)

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Instructions

1. Soak guajillo and ancho peppers in near-boiling water for 15-20 minutes until fully softened, then puree into a velvety, deep crimson sauce using a blender.
2. Generously coat chuck roast cubes with a robust spice blend including salt, smoky paprika, fragrant Mexican oregano, cracked black pepper, subtle brown sugar, earthy cumin, and bright coriander.
3. Heat robust olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, then meticulously brown meat cubes on all surfaces until developing a rich, caramelized exterior, approximately 4-5 minutes per batch. Transfer seared meat to a separate plate.
4. Reduce heat to medium and sauté finely diced jalapeños, sweet onions, and minced garlic in remaining oil until vegetables become translucent and aromatic, roughly 5-6 minutes.
5. Reintroduce seared meat to the pot, pour in prepared pepper sauce, rich beef stock, and additional salt. Reduce heat to low, cover, and allow the chili to simmer gently for 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally until meat becomes incredibly tender and sauce thickens.
6. Taste and calibrate seasonings, potentially incorporating Worcestershire sauce for depth or kidney beans for additional texture. Let mixture rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
7. Garnish with optional accompaniments like tangy Mexican crema, fresh cilantro leaves, or sharp shredded cheese to enhance the final presentation.

Notes

• Swap dried guajillo and ancho peppers with ground pepper powders for a quicker preparation, maintaining rich chili flavor.
• Pat chuck roast cubes dry before seasoning to ensure perfect browning and develop deep caramelized exterior.
• Allow meat to rest after browning, helping retain juices and ensuring tender, succulent texture during slow simmering process.
• Replace beef with plant-based alternatives like jackfruit or lentils for vegetarian version, keeping traditional spice profile intact.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg