Classic Chili Con Carne

Name: Classic Chili Con Carne
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground beef; 1 large onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups beef broth; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 2 cans (15 oz each) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 3 tbsp chili powder; 2 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp oregano; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 1 hour

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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Chili Con Carne is a hearty, comforting classic that's perfect for cozy nights in or casual gatherings. This recipe is packed with rich flavors and a touch of heat, making it a favorite for any occasion. Whether you're new to making chili or a seasoned pro, this dish is sure to satisfy.

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Ingredients for Classic Chili Con Carne

Ground beef forms the hearty base of the chili, providing a rich, savory flavor. Onion and garlic are essential for building depth and aroma right from the start. Beef broth enhances the beefy taste while keeping everything moist. Diced tomatoes and tomato paste add that classic tomato tang and thickness. Our spice mix, featuring chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper, brings warmth and complexity. Kidney beans and black beans add protein and texture, while the green bell pepper offers sweetness and a pop of color. A splash of Worcestershire sauce deepens the umami notes, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro brightens up the dish before serving.

Tips & Tricks

For a smoky twist, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika.
If you like your chili thicker, let it simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level — a little goes a long way!

Serving Suggestions

This chili is fantastic on its own, but you can serve it with warm cornbread, over a bed of rice, or topped with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream. For a little crunch, try topping it with crushed tortilla chips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this chili in advance?: Absolutely! The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
Can I freeze leftovers?: Yes, chili freezes well. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
What can I use instead of beef?: Try ground turkey or a plant-based meat substitute for a lighter version.

Classic Chili Con Carne Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating up the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion and garlic, and sauté them until the onion is translucent. This should take about 5 minutes, and it sets up a flavorful base for your chili.

Next, add the ground beef to the pot. Cook it until it's nicely browned and crumbled, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed, so you don't end up with a greasy chili.

Stir in your spices — chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, along with some salt and pepper. Cook for an extra 2 minutes to let those spices bloom and release their full flavor.

Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Give everything a good stir to combine the ingredients well. Bring this mix to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

After 30 minutes, add the kidney beans, black beans, and diced green bell pepper. Continue to simmer the chili for another 20 minutes until the bell pepper is tender and all the flavors have come together beautifully.

Finally, taste your chili and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Just before serving, garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and straightforward — perfect for weeknight dinners.
Loaded with protein and fiber from beans and beef.
Customizable heat level to suit your taste.
One-pot meal means less cleanup!
Great for meal prep — flavors get even better the next day.

Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef

1 large onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups beef broth

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

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

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

3 tbsp chili powder

2 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp oregano

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 green bell pepper, diced

2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until the onion becomes translucent.

2. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat, if necessary.

3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to toast the spices.

4. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.

5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Add the kidney beans, black beans, and diced green bell pepper to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 20 minutes, or until the bell pepper is tender and the flavors have melded together.

7. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

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