Hearty Chili Con Carne Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Spicing up your weeknight meal with a hearty chili con carne promises pure comfort and warmth.

Robust flavors dance across your palate, creating a symphony of taste and texture.

Mexican-inspired cuisine brings bold ingredients that challenge ordinary dinner routines.

Tender meat mingles with rich spices, crafting a memorable dining experience.

Beans and peppers contribute depth and complexity to this classic dish.

Home cooks can easily master this satisfying recipe with simple techniques.

Pack your plate with excitement and savor every delicious bite.

Ingredients That Build Authentic Chili Con Carne

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the foundation of this classic chili dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a rich, deep flavor base for the chili.
• Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness and a fresh crunch to the dish.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Cayenne Pepper: Create a complex and warming spice profile that gives the chili its signature bold flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.

• Diced Tomatoes: Provide moisture and a tangy base for the sauce.
• Beef Broth: Adds depth and richness to the chili's liquid component.
• Kidney Beans: Contribute texture and additional protein to the meal.

• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the aromatics and prevent sticking.

How to Prepare Traditional Chili Con Carne

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and release their fragrant aroma, creating a delicious foundation for your chili.

Step 2: Brown the Protein

Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat turns a rich brown color and develops a delectable caramelized exterior, ensuring maximum flavor.

Step 3: Spice It Up

• Chopped bell peppers
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper

Stir the spices into the meat mixture and cook for 2 minutes to awaken their intense flavors and create a robust taste profile.

Step 4: Build the Liquid Base

Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the liquids to blend and create a rich, complex sauce.

Step 5: Add Hearty Beans

Fold in kidney beans and season with salt and black pepper.

The beans will add wonderful texture and additional protein to your chili.

Step 6: Slow Simmer for Depth

Reduce heat to low and let the chili simmer for 30 minutes.

This slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together, creating a deeply satisfying and harmonious dish.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for an extra flavor burst.

Tips for Perfect Meat and Spice Balance

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, vegetarian-friendly version.
• Control the heat level by adjusting cayenne pepper and chili powder according to your spice tolerance.
• Let the chili simmer longer for deeper, more developed flavor profiles and tender meat.
• Enhance texture by draining and rinsing kidney beans before adding to reduce excess liquid and prevent mushiness.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and ensure all components are ready when needed.

Flavor Ideas to Customize Your Chili Con Carne

• Vegetarian Chili: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or textured vegetable protein for a meat-free version.
• Turkey Chili Lite: Swap ground beef with lean ground turkey to reduce fat content and create a lighter meal option.
• Black Bean Swap: Substitute kidney beans with black beans for a different texture and slightly earthier flavor profile.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after browning meat and cook on low for 6-8 hours for tender, deeply infused flavors.

Serving Suggestions for a Hearty Meal

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle the hot chili into deep ceramic bowls for a warm, hearty meal that hugs your soul on chilly evenings.
• Loaded Nacho Topping: Spread crispy tortilla chips on a platter, pour chili over them, and sprinkle with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
• Tex-Mex Rice Companion: Serve the chili over fluffy white rice or cilantro-lime rice, creating a satisfying one-pot dinner that combines rich flavors and textures.
• Protein-Packed Baked Potato: Slice open a baked potato and generously top with the chili, adding a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh chives for a complete, filling meal.

Storage Tips for Chili Con Carne

• Refrigerate leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store chili in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing the container.
• Freeze chili in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 4-6 months, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheat refrigerated chili in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent sticking. Microwave as an alternative, using 1-minute intervals and stirring between each to ensure uniform warming.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works well in chili con carne. It provides similar texture and absorbs the spices nicely.

• Is this chili spicy?

The spice level depends on the amount of cayenne pepper you add. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste preference. You can always add more heat later.

• How can I make the chili more hearty?

Consider adding extra vegetables like corn or zucchini, or include additional protein sources such as diced chorizo or extra beans to make the chili more substantial.

• Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the meat and onions first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours for a rich, developed flavor.

What Makes Chili Con Carne a Classic Favorite

• Boost Family Dinner: A hearty, satisfying meal that brings everyone together around the table with rich, comforting flavors kids and adults will love.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily personalize this classic chili with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro to match individual tastes.
• Quick Kitchen Hero: Prepare a delicious one-pot wonder with minimal cooking skills, using simple ingredients and straightforward steps that guarantee a successful meal every single time.
• Meal Prep Champion: Perfect for batch cooking, this chili stores wonderfully in the refrigerator and tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for busy weeknights and lunch prep.

Easy Chili Con Carne Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty chili con carne recipe blends robust beef, spicy peppers, and rich tomatoes for a classic Tex-Mex comfort meal. Simmered slowly with aromatic spices, this dish delivers deep flavors you’ll savor with each satisfying spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

Canned and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces or 411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces or 425 grams) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef broth

Cooking Oil:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium-high temperature, introducing finely diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Introduce ground beef to the pot, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook thoroughly until the meat develops a rich, golden-brown exterior, ensuring no pink remains.
3. Incorporate vibrant bell peppers and robust spices – chili powder, cumin, paprika, and a hint of cayenne. Stir continuously, allowing the spices to bloom and release their intense aromatics for about 2 minutes.
4. Stream in diced tomatoes and rich beef broth, creating a harmonious liquid base. Elevate the heat momentarily to trigger a gentle bubbling simmer.
5. Fold in kidney beans, seasoning generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Adjust spice levels to personal preference.
6. Reduce heat to low, allowing the chili to gently meld flavors. Cover and let it simmer quietly for 25-35 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Once the chili reaches a thick, luxurious consistency, remove from heat. Ladle into warm bowls and adorn with classic toppings like shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream.

Notes

• Adjust spice levels by modifying cayenne pepper for those with sensitive palates or heat preferences.
• Skip ground beef and use plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains rich, hearty flavor.
• Consider using low-sodium broth to control salt intake without compromising taste complexity.
• Enhance meal prep by cooking larger batches and freezing individual portions for quick future meals.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg