Hearty Chili Con Carne: A Warm and Flavorful Comfort Dish
Introduction
Chili Con Carne is a beloved classic that warms the soul with its rich and hearty flavors. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or served at a gathering with friends and family, this comforting dish never fails to satisfy. In this recipe, we’ll walk you through creating a delicious pot of chili con carne that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large onions, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 pounds ground beef (preferably chuck)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 12-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups beef broth
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 15-ounce cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15-ounce can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional garnishes: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly and deepen the flavor of the chili.
- Incorporate Crushed Tomatoes and Broth: Add the crushed tomatoes and beef broth to the pot, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Season the Chili: Add the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper to the pot, stirring well to evenly distribute the spices.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together and the chili to thicken.
- Add Beans: Stir in the kidney beans and pinto beans, and continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes, or until the beans are heated through and the chili reaches your desired consistency.
- Season to Taste: Season the chili with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of chili con carne.
Cook Notes and Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with your favorite plant-based ground meat alternative or additional beans for a vegetarian version of this chili.
- Slow Cooker Method: To make this chili in a slow cooker, follow steps 1-4 to sauté the onions, garlic, and brown the beef. Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker, add the remaining ingredients, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your preferred level of spiciness. For a milder chili, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper altogether.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
- Keto Version: To make a keto-friendly version of chili con carne, omit the beans and use a higher fat content ground beef. Increase the amount of vegetables such as onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes to add bulk and flavor without adding extra carbs.
- Low-Carb Version: Reduce the amount of beans used in the recipe or substitute them with low-carb alternatives such as black soybeans or chickpeas. Use sugar-free tomato paste and crushed tomatoes to reduce the carb content further.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I freeze leftover chili? A: Yes, chili con carne freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: Can I make this chili ahead of time? A: Yes, chili con carne can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. In fact, the flavors often improve when allowed to meld together overnight. Simply store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: What can I serve with chili con carne? A: Chili con carne pairs well with a variety of toppings and side dishes such as shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, chopped onions, tortilla chips, cornbread, or rice.
Q: Is chili con carne spicy? A: The level of spiciness can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. This recipe includes cayenne pepper for a mild to moderate level of heat, but you can increase or decrease the amount of cayenne pepper to make it spicier or milder, respectively.
Q: Can I make this chili in a pressure cooker? A: Yes, chili con carne can be made in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot for a quicker cooking time. Follow the same steps for sautéing and browning the ingredients, then cook on high pressure for 20-25 minutes, followed by a natural release.
Savor the comforting flavors of Chili Con Carne with this easy-to-follow recipe. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply craving a bowl of hearty goodness, this chili is sure to hit the spot. With its rich and flavorful broth, tender beef, and aromatic spices, it’s the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly day. Gather your ingredients, simmer a pot of chili, and enjoy the comforting taste of home.