The Most Flavorful Chili Con Carne Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Spicy aromas drift through the kitchen as this hearty chili con carne recipe promises a delightful culinary adventure.

Bold flavors and rich textures blend seamlessly in this classic comfort dish.

Tender beef simmers alongside robust spices, creating a mouthwatering meal that warms both body and soul.

Each carefully crafted bite tells a story of traditional Mexican-inspired cooking.

Layers of depth emerge from carefully selected ingredients that dance together in perfect harmony.

Steaming bowls of this chili invite you to savor every delectable spoonful.

FAQs

• What makes chili con carne different from other stews?

The key difference is the combination of ground beef, beans, and a complex blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika that create a robust, hearty flavor profile unique to this classic dish.

• Is chili con carne originally from Mexico?

While the dish has Mexican roots, modern chili con carne was actually developed in Texas, blending Mexican and American culinary traditions into a beloved regional specialty.

• Can I make this recipe spicier or milder?

Absolutely! Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili powder, or add cayenne pepper for extra kick. For a milder version, reduce the spices or use a mild chili powder blend.

Chili Con Carne – A Tradition in Every Bite

• Quick and Simple Cooking: Whip up this hearty chili with minimal prep work and basic kitchen skills, perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Flavor-Packed Meal: Enjoy a robust blend of spices and ingredients that create a mouthwatering dish bursting with rich, complex flavors.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Customize with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro, making it adaptable for different taste preferences.
• One-Pot Wonder: Streamline your cooking process with a single pot recipe that minimizes cleanup and saves precious kitchen time.

Chili Con Carne – Your Grocery List at a Glance

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the foundation of this classic chili dish.

• Onion, Garlic, Red Bell Pepper: These ingredients add depth, sweetness, and a robust flavor profile to the chili.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Oregano: A blend of warm, earthy spices that give the chili its signature zesty and complex taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor of the dish.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Provide a rich, tangy base and help thicken the chili.
• Kidney Beans: Add texture, protein, and a creamy element to the dish.
• Beef Broth: Creates a savory liquid foundation that helps marry all the ingredients together.

Simmering Chili Con Carne Step by Step

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Grab a large pot and cook the ground beef over medium heat.

Sizzle and stir until the meat turns a beautiful golden brown.

Carefully drain away any extra fat to keep your chili lean and delicious.

Step 2: Sauté Vibrant Vegetables

Toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper.

Let them dance in the pot, softening and releasing their amazing flavors.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Awaken the Spices

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Oregano

Let the spices sizzle and become wonderfully fragrant, releasing their intense aromas for about 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Build the Chili Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Kidney beans
• Tomato paste
• Beef broth

Stir everything together until well combined, creating a rich and hearty mixture.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the chili to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.

Let it bubble softly for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

This slow cooking allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serving

Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.

Pro Moves for Deeply Flavored Chili Con Carne

• Remove all visible fat from ground beef to reduce greasiness and create a healthier dish.
• Toast spices briefly to enhance their flavors and release more intense aromatic compounds.
• Use fresh kidney beans or rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and improve texture.
• Let the chili cook on low heat to develop deeper, richer flavors and tenderize the meat.
• Add fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, sour cream, shredded cheese, or diced avocado for extra flavor and texture.

Creative Changes for Your Chili Con Carne Pot

• Vegetarian Chili: Replace ground beef with plant-based alternatives like textured vegetable protein, lentils, or black beans for a meat-free version.
• Turkey Chili: Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey to reduce fat content and create a lighter protein option.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer ingredients to a slow cooker after browning meat and vegetables, then cook on low for 6-8 hours for deeper flavor development.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Chili: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or extra chili powder to increase heat and create a more intense southwestern flavor profile.

Chili Con Carne – Best Ways to Serve Guests

• Cozy Campfire Companion: Serve this hearty chili during outdoor gatherings, paired with crusty bread and a warm campfire for a rustic dining experience.
• Tex-Mex Feast Platter: Create a vibrant spread with sides like Mexican rice, warm cornbread, fresh guacamole, and sour cream to complement the rich chili flavors.
• Game Day Comfort Bowl: Top the chili with shredded cheddar cheese, crispy tortilla chips, diced green onions, and a dollop of tangy sour cream for the ultimate sports-watching meal.
• Leftover Remix Magic: Transform extra chili into loaded baked potatoes, stuff into quesadillas, or use as a savory topping for nachos the next day for a quick and delicious meal transformation.

Chili Con Carne – How to Store the Extras

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat on medium power, stirring every 30 seconds until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture.
• Pour chili into a saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a little water or broth if needed to prevent sticking and maintain desired consistency.

Chili Con Carne Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican-inspired chili con carne delivers bold, spicy flavors that dance across rich beef and smoky spices. Simmered to perfection, this classic comfort dish promises a satisfying meal you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 2 15-ounce (425 grams) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 14.5-ounce (411 grams) cans diced tomatoes

Spices, Liquids, and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese
• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños

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Instructions

1. Heat a spacious cooking vessel over medium-high temperature and thoroughly brown the ground beef, ensuring complete rendering of fat.
2. Discard excess grease and incorporate finely diced onions, minced garlic, and vibrant red bell peppers, sautéing until vegetables turn translucent and tender.
3. Sprinkle aromatic spices including chili powder, cumin, paprika, and dried oregano, toasting for approximately 90 seconds to intensify their robust flavors.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes, robust kidney beans, concentrated tomato paste, and rich beef broth, thoroughly blending all components.
5. Allow the mixture to reach a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce heat to a gentle simmer, covering and cooking for 35-45 minutes while occasionally stirring to prevent scorching.
6. Carefully adjust seasoning with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, tasting and fine-tuning flavor profile.
7. Remove from heat and let the chili rest for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken.
8. Ladle into warm serving bowls and garnish with optional accompaniments like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh chopped cilantro.

Notes

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder and adding optional jalapeños or hot sauce for spice lovers.
• Use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey for a healthier protein option that maintains rich taste.
• Enhance depth of flavor by letting the chili simmer longer, allowing spices and ingredients to meld together completely.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 337 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 430 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 5.8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9.2 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg