This Chili Con Carne is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for chilly nights or feeding a crowd. Packed with tender ground beef, rich spices, and a mix of beans, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of heat and comfort. Serve it with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, and cilantro for a customized chili experience. Let’s dive into this classic dish!
Ingredients for Chili Con Carne
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
- 2 large onions, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 pounds ground beef (preferably chuck for flavor and tenderness)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 12-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups beef broth (adds richness and depth)
- 3 tablespoons chili powder (for that iconic chili flavor)
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin (for earthy, warm spice)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a hint of smokiness)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for more or less heat)
- 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 (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions for Chili Con Carne
1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
- Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook the beef until browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Add the Tomato Paste and Spices
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes to develop its flavor.
- Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Stir to coat the beef and let the spices bloom for about 1-2 minutes.
4. Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Beans
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir to combine everything, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and add the kidney beans and pinto beans, stirring them into the chili.
5. Simmer the Chili
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and deepen.
- After simmering, taste the chili and season with salt and pepper to your preference. If you want more heat, you can add a pinch more cayenne or a splash of hot sauce.
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or chili powder depending on your spice tolerance. Start with a little and add more if you want to increase the heat.
- Thicker Chili: If you prefer a thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
- Slow Cooker Option: After browning the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic, you can transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours.
Variations for Chili Con Carne
1. Turkey or Chicken Chili
- Replace the ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version of chili. The cooking time remains the same, but be sure to season the turkey or chicken well to keep the flavor.
2. Vegetarian Chili
- For a meatless option, substitute the ground beef with more beans, such as black beans or chickpeas, and add some diced vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for added texture and flavor.
3. Bean-Free Chili
- If you prefer chili without beans, simply omit them from the recipe. You can add extra ground beef or vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to bulk up the chili.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make Chili Con Carne ahead of time?
Yes! Chili often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
2. How do I adjust the spiciness of the chili?
To make the chili spicier, add more cayenne pepper, chili powder, or even a bit of hot sauce. For a milder chili, reduce the amount of cayenne or omit it altogether. You can also serve it with sour cream or cheese to cool down the heat.
3. What can I serve with Chili Con Carne?
Chili pairs wonderfully with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping or over a bed of mashed potatoes for a cozy meal.
A Hearty, Flavorful Comfort Dish
This Chili Con Carne is a timeless, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a game day party or just craving a bowl of comfort. Packed with bold spices, tender beef, and creamy beans, this chili delivers on both flavor and texture. With easy variations and the option to customize toppings, you can make it your own. Serve it with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips for the ultimate chili experience!
