Craving a dish that’s both comforting and packed with flavor? Look no further than Chili Con Carne! This robust and satisfying stew, featuring tender beef, rich tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for a chilly evening, a casual get-together, or a simple weeknight dinner, this Chili Con Carne recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to customize to your liking. Whether you prefer a mild and savory chili or a fiery and intense version, this recipe provides the perfect foundation for you to create your very own signature Chili Con Carne. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food – a steaming bowl of homemade Chili Con Carne.
This classic dish is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The layers of flavor, from the browned beef to the earthy spices and the sweetness of the tomatoes, create a symphony of tastes that dance on your palate. And the best part? It’s incredibly forgiving. You can easily adjust the ingredients and seasonings to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Add more beans for a heartier chili, or use ground turkey for a lighter version. The possibilities are endless!
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 25 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 2 hours 30 minutes (including simmering) |
| Servings | 6-8 servings |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Nutrition per serving (approximate):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450-550 kcal |
| Protein | 30-40g |
| Fat | 25-35g |
| Carbohydrates | 30-40g |
| Fiber | 10-15g |
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef (80/20 blend recommended) | 2 pounds |
| Yellow Onion | 1 large, chopped |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, minced |
| Red Bell Pepper | 1, chopped |
| Jalapeño Pepper | 1-2, seeded and minced (optional, for heat) |
| Chili Powder | 3 tablespoons |
| Ground Cumin | 2 teaspoons |
| Dried Oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Smoked Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Cayenne Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for extra heat) |
| Diced Tomatoes | 28 ounces (2 cans) |
| Tomato Paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Beef Broth | 2 cups |
| Kidney Beans | 15 ounces (1 can), drained and rinsed |
| Pinto Beans | 15 ounces (1 can), drained and rinsed |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
| Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
Cooking Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Proper browning of the beef is crucial for developing a rich, deep flavor in your Chili Con Carne. Don’t overcrowd the pot; work in batches if necessary.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using) to the pot with the browned beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step is important for building a flavorful base for your Chili Con Carne.
- Add the Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant. This allows the spices to bloom and release their aromatic oils, enhancing the overall flavor of the chili.
- Add the Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2 hours, or up to 3 hours. The longer the chili simmers, the more the flavors will meld together and deepen. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The key to an amazing Chili Con Carne is the simmering time, allowing the flavors to mature and harmonize.
- Add the Beans: Stir in the kidney beans and pinto beans. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, uncovered, to allow the beans to heat through and the chili to thicken slightly. Using a variety of beans adds texture and complexity to your Chili Con Carne.
- Season to Taste: Season the Chili Con Carne with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed to achieve your desired flavor profile.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the Chili Con Carne into bowls and serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Serving Suggestions
Chili Con Carne is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed with a variety of toppings and accompaniments. Here are some popular serving suggestions:
- Toppings: Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped green onions, diced avocado, a dollop of guacamole, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, pickled jalapeños.
- Sides: Cornbread, tortilla chips, oyster crackers, a side salad, coleslaw.
- Other Ideas: Use Chili Con Carne as a topping for nachos, baked potatoes, or hot dogs. Serve it over rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.
This Chili Con Carne recipe is truly a masterpiece of flavors. The combination of tender beef, aromatic spices, and hearty beans creates a symphony of tastes that will leave you wanting more. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to create your own unique version of this classic dish.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this Chili Con Carne recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food. This Chili Con Carne is perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a festive gathering with friends and family. The aroma alone will fill your home with warmth and happiness.
The beauty of Chili Con Carne lies in its simplicity and adaptability. You can easily adjust the ingredients and seasonings to suit your preferences and dietary needs. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the ground beef and add more beans or vegetables like corn, zucchini, or squash. For a spicier chili, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of hot sauce. And for a richer flavor, try using a combination of beef chuck and ground beef. The possibilities are endless!
This Chili Con Carne recipe is a timeless classic that has been enjoyed for generations. Its popularity stems from its ability to satisfy our cravings for comfort food while also providing a healthy and nutritious meal. The combination of protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates makes it a well-balanced and satisfying dish that will keep you feeling full and energized for hours. So, don’t hesitate to add this Chili Con Carne recipe to your repertoire. It’s a guaranteed winner that will bring joy to your table and create lasting memories.
Remember, the key to a great Chili Con Carne is patience. Allow the chili to simmer for as long as possible to allow the flavors to meld together and deepen. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and accompaniments to find your perfect combination. Whether you prefer a classic topping like shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream or a more adventurous topping like diced avocado and pickled jalapeños, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this delicious dish. So, get creative and have fun!
In conclusion, this Chili Con Carne recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves hearty, flavorful, and comforting food. It’s easy to make, incredibly versatile, and guaranteed to please. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to experience the ultimate Chili Con Carne. You won’t be disappointed!
And don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media using the hashtag #BestChiliConCarneEver. We can’t wait to see what you come up with!
This recipe has been perfected over years of testing and tweaking, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor. The blend of spices is carefully balanced to create a complex and harmonious taste that will tantalize your taste buds. And the combination of beans and beef provides a satisfying and nutritious meal that will keep you feeling full and energized for hours.
So, what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and start cooking! This Chili Con Carne recipe is waiting to be discovered and enjoyed. And who knows, maybe you’ll even create your own signature version that will be passed down through generations. The possibilities are endless!
Enjoy your delicious Chili Con Carne!
Notes/Tips:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño and cayenne pepper to control the heat level of your chili.
- Meat Options: You can substitute ground turkey, ground chicken, or even cubed beef stew meat for the ground beef.
- Bean Variations: Feel free to use different types of beans, such as black beans, cannellini beans, or great northern beans.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat and add more beans or vegetables for a vegetarian chili.
- Slow Cooker: This recipe can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Storage: Chili Con Carne can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Thickening: If your chili is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for a longer period of time or by adding a slurry of cornstarch and water.
- Adding more flavor: Consider adding a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder for depth, or a splash of apple cider vinegar for brightness.
