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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Heat a spacious cooking vessel over medium-high temperature and thoroughly brown the ground beef, ensuring complete rendering of fat.
- Discard excess grease and incorporate finely diced onions, minced garlic, and vibrant red bell peppers, sautéing until vegetables turn translucent and tender.
- Sprinkle aromatic spices including chili powder, cumin, paprika, and dried oregano, toasting for approximately 90 seconds to intensify their robust flavors.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, robust kidney beans, concentrated tomato paste, and rich beef broth, thoroughly blending all components.
- 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.
- Carefully adjust seasoning with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, tasting and fine-tuning flavor profile.
- Remove from heat and let the chili rest for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken.
- 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