Chili Con Carne

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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!