Chili Con Carne is a hearty, flavorful dish made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or game day, and it gets even better the next day as the flavors develop!
Chili Con Carne Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 can (15 oz/400 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz/400 g) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp ground cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Optional toppings:
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Tortilla chips
Instructions:
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Drain off any excess fat if necessary.
- Add spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom and become fragrant.
- Add liquids and beans: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and kidney beans. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar (optional). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the chili simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the flavors meld and the chili to thicken.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more chili powder or cayenne for extra heat, or more salt to enhance the flavor.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and add your favorite toppings, like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños. Serve with tortilla chips, cornbread, or over rice.
Serving Suggestions:
- For extra flavor, top the chili with sliced avocado or a squeeze of lime.
- Chili Con Carne freezes well, so you can make a big batch and store leftovers for another meal.
This Chili Con Carne is a satisfying dish with just the right amount of spice, perfect for chilly nights or gatherings!