Chili Con Carne

Chili Con Carne is a hearty and flavorful dish made with ground meat, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. It’s perfect for a cozy meal or a gathering. Here’s a simple recipe to make Chili Con Carne:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey or a mix of meats)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 2 (14 oz) cans diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup beef broth (or water)
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
• Sour cream and shredded cheese (for serving, optional)

Instructions:

1. Brown the Meat:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat.
   • Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add the Spices:
   • Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika (if using), cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to toast the spices.
4. Combine the Ingredients:
   • Add the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
5. Simmer the Chili:
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and the chili thickens. You can simmer longer if you prefer a deeper flavor.
6. Serve:
   • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and with sour cream and shredded cheese on the side, if desired.

Tips:

• Beans: You can use any combination of beans you like (pinto, navy, etc.) or omit them for a meatier chili.
• Vegetarian option: Substitute the meat with lentils or a mix of beans and mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
• Extra heat: For more spice, add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the chili.

Chili Con Carne is a versatile and comforting dish that’s great for meal prep and freezes well. Let me know if you’d like to modify any ingredients!