🌶️ Classic Chili Con Carne Recipe
Rich, spicy, and loaded with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and warm spices — this classic Chili Con Carne is the ultimate comfort food! Perfect served with rice, cornbread, or tortilla chips, it’s a satisfying one-pot meal that only gets better with time.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🍲 One-pot wonder — easy cleanup
- 🌶️ Bold Tex-Mex flavor
- ⏱️ Great for meal prep and leftovers
- 👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly and freezer-friendly
- 🔥 Customizable heat level
📝 Ingredients
For the chili:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 500g (1 lb) ground beef
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
- 1 can (400g) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tsp cocoa powder or dark chocolate (for depth)
For toppings (optional):
- Sour cream
- Grated cheddar cheese
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Lime wedges
🍽️ Instructions
1. Sauté Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
2. Brown the Beef
- Add ground beef to the pot.
- Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Add Spices and Tomato Paste
- Stir in tomato paste, cumin, paprika, chili powder, oregano, and cocoa powder if using.
- Cook for 2 minutes to develop flavor.
4. Add Tomatoes, Beans & Broth
- Pour in chopped tomatoes, beans, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Adjust and Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings and side dishes.
👩🍳 Tips & Variations
- For a thicker chili, simmer longer or mash some beans.
- Add a touch of cinnamon for a warming twist.
- Swap beef for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat.
- Add corn, black beans, or zucchini for extra texture and nutrition.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Enjoy chili con carne with:
- Steamed rice or brown rice
- Warm cornbread or tortillas
- Baked potatoes or nachos
- A fresh green salad on the side
📦 Storage & Freezing
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
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