Chili Con Carne Recipe

Chili con carne is one of those comforting meals that fills the kitchen with rich aromas and rewards every minute of cooking. Made with ground beef, tomatoes, beans, and warming spices, this classic dish is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for family dinners, game nights, or meal prep. While many versions exist across the United States and beyond, this recipe focuses on a balanced blend of beef, tomatoes, beans, and chili spices that create a thick, flavorful bowl of chili without being overwhelmingly spicy. Inspired by traditional chili recipes, it develops deep flavor as it simmers and tastes even better the next day.

Main Essence of This Dish

The heart of a great chili con carne is slow flavor development. Ground beef is browned with onions, garlic, and bell peppers before being simmered with tomatoes, beans, and spices. The result is a rich, thick stew with layers of savory, smoky, and mildly spicy flavors. It is hearty enough to serve on its own but also pairs beautifully with rice, cornbread, baked potatoes, or tortilla chips.

Recipe Information

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Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 500g (1 lb) ground beef
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 800g (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1½ teaspoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

The combination of beef, tomatoes, beans, garlic, onion, and peppers creates the traditional foundation of a hearty chili con carne.

Also Read: One Pot Chicken and Lentils Recipe

How to Make Chili Con Carne

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Spices

Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to deepen the flavor of the spices.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 5: Simmer

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover partially and simmer for 40 to 50 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chili will gradually thicken and develop a richer flavor.

Step 6: Add the Beans

Stir in the kidney beans during the final 15 minutes of cooking. Continue simmering until the beans are heated through and the chili reaches your desired consistency.

Step 7: Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with rice, cornbread, tortilla chips, shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced green onions. Chili con carne is commonly enjoyed with a variety of toppings and sides depending on personal preference.

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Tips for the Best Chili Con Carne

• Allow the chili to simmer slowly for deeper flavor.
• For extra richness, make it a day ahead and reheat before serving.
• Add extra chili powder or cayenne pepper if you prefer more heat.
• If the chili becomes too thick, stir in a little additional broth.
• A small amount of sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

Serving Suggestions

• Steamed white rice
• Cornbread
• Tortilla chips
• Baked potatoes
• Garlic bread
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Fresh cilantro

Also Read: Ham Fried Rice Recipe

Storage Instructions

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Nutritional Information

Approximate values per serving.