Chili Con Carne

Name: Chili Con Carne
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground beef; 1 large onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cans (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste; 2 cans (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 2 cups beef broth; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; Juice of 1 lime

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 1 hour

🍽 Serves: 8

★★★★★

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This Chili Con Carne recipe is a comforting classic perfect for any season. It's hearty, flavorful, and easy to throw together, making it a go-to for family dinners or game-day gatherings.

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Ingredients for Chili Con Carne

Ground beef forms the hearty base of the chili, providing protein and a savory richness. Onion and garlic lay the aromatic foundation, adding depth with their sweet and pungent notes. Olive oil helps sauté the onions and garlic to perfection. Diced tomatoes and tomato paste create a thick, tangy sauce that binds everything together. Kidney beans add texture and substance, making the chili filling. Beef broth enhances the meaty flavor, while the spice blend of cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano infuses the dish with warmth and complexity. A touch of salt and black pepper balances the flavors, and a hint of cayenne pepper (if you're feeling bold) adds an extra kick. Red and green bell peppers introduce a fresh, sweet crunch to the mix. Finally, a splash of Worcestershire sauce and a squeeze of lime juice round out the flavors with a savory tang.

Tips & Tricks

For a thicker chili, let it simmer longer or mash some of the beans.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add more cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño.
Make it vegetarian by swapping beef with more beans or meat substitutes.

Serving Suggestions

This chili pairs wonderfully with a side of cornbread or over a bed of rice. You can also serve it with tortilla chips for some added crunch. Top it with sour cream, shredded cheese, or chopped cilantro for extra flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this in a slow cooker?: Absolutely! Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic first, then combine everything in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
How long does it last in the fridge?: Stored in an airtight container, this chili will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze leftovers?: Yes, it freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Chili Con Carne Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and minced garlic, letting them sauté until the onions turn translucent — this should take about five minutes. Their aroma should fill your kitchen nicely.

Next, add in the ground beef. Cook it until it's browned evenly. If there's excess fat, go ahead and drain it. Once the beef is ready, stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for an additional two minutes to deepen the flavor.

Now, add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth. Mix everything well to ensure a consistent texture. Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper if you're using it. Stir to combine all the spices thoroughly.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully, thickening the chili.

After 30 minutes, toss in the diced red and green bell peppers. Continue to simmer for another 15 minutes or until the peppers are tender. They should add a nice pop of color and flavor.

Finally, stir in the Worcestershire sauce and lime juice. Taste your chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it hot with your choice of toppings.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Rich and hearty with layers of bold flavors.
Perfect balance of spices for a satisfying kick.
Easy to make with pantry staples.
Great for meal prep and freezes well.

Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef

1 large onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cans (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

2 cans (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

2 cups beef broth

1 tablespoon ground cumin

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Juice of 1 lime

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sauté until onions are translucent.

2. Add ground beef to the pot, cook until browned evenly. Drain excess fat if necessary.

3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

4. Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth. Mix well.

5. Incorporate cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine.

6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.

7. Add diced red and green bell peppers, continue to simmer for another 15 minutes until peppers are tender.

8. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and lime juice, adjust seasoning to taste.

9. Serve hot with your choice of toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, or chopped cilantro.

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