Nothing beats a warm, comforting bowl of homemade chili after a busy day, and this Chili Con Carne Recipe is just the perfect dish to bring everyone together. With its rich, savory blend of ground beef, beans, and a signature mix of spices, it’s a vibrant celebration of bold flavors and hearty textures that’s simple enough to whip up any night of the week yet special enough for guests. Whether you’re a chili lover or new to this classic, this recipe will make you fall in love all over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chili Con Carne Recipe lies in its simple, everyday ingredients that pack a flavorful punch. Each element contributes to the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color that make a chili truly shine.
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey): The rich, savory base that brings protein and heartiness to the dish.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds an aromatic sweetness that deepens as it cooks.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a punch of flavor that complements the spices.
- 1 bell pepper, chopped: Any color works to add crunch and a pop of freshness.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Provides acidity and juicy bites throughout the chili.
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Offers great texture and fiber, making the chili more filling.
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce: Creates a smooth, saucy consistency for the chili’s base.
- 2 tablespoons chili powder: The key spice that gives chili its warm, smoky flavor.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Adds a soft earthiness to balance the heat.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Brings a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and develop rich flavors.
- 1 cup beef broth (or water): Adds moisture and depth to the chili without overpowering it.
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional): A fresh herbal touch that brightens each spoonful.
How to Make Chili Con Carne Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and bell pepper, letting them soften gently for about 5 minutes. This step builds the aromatic foundation for the chili. Just before they’re ready, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant, making sure not to let it burn.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Next, add the ground beef (or turkey) to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, around 5 to 7 minutes. This caramelization adds a depth of flavor that makes the chili irresistible. If you notice too much fat pooling, go ahead and drain the excess for a leaner result.
Step 3: Add the Spices
With the meat browned, it’s time to bring in the magic of the seasoning. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, letting the spices toast in the heat for about 2 minutes. This process intensifies their flavors and ensures your chili has that signature punch.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Pour in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Give everything a good stir to meld the ingredients, creating a rich, flavorful base that will thicken beautifully as it simmers.
Step 5: Let it Simmer
Bring the chili mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it gently simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the flavors mingle and the chili thickens to a comforting consistency. Taste at the end and adjust seasoning as needed—it’s your chili, make it perfect for your palate.
How to Serve Chili Con Carne Recipe
Garnishes
A fresh sprinkle of chopped cilantro on top does wonders, offering a cool contrast to the warm spices. If you like things creamy, a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheddar cheese adds richness. Even sliced jalapeños or diced red onions can give an extra zing if you feel adventurous.
Side Dishes
This chili is incredibly versatile when it comes to sides. Serve it over fluffy white rice to soak up all the saucy goodness, or bring out some crusty bread to dip in. For a Tex-Mex twist, tortilla chips are fantastic for scooping, making every bite fun and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to surprise your friends? Try serving your chili in bread bowls for a rustic, cozy presentation. You can also transform leftovers by stuffing it into baked potatoes or topping nachos with generous spoonfuls. The Chili Con Carne Recipe really shines in so many creative setups, perfect for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your chili cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, it will stay delicious for up to 4 days. This makes it a fantastic meal prep option, ready to reheat whenever hunger strikes.
Freezing
The Chili Con Carne Recipe freezes beautifully, making it a convenient favorite to have on hand. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chili gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick after refrigeration. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring halfway through to ensure even heat.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Using ground turkey is a great leaner option that still delivers great flavor, especially if you season it well. It makes for a lighter chili without sacrificing the heartiness.
How spicy is this Chili Con Carne Recipe?
This recipe offers a warm, mildly spicy flavor from the chili powder and paprika, but it’s very adaptable. You can easily increase the heat by adding cayenne pepper or fresh chili peppers to suit your spice tolerance.
Do I have to use kidney beans?
Kidney beans are traditional and add excellent texture, but feel free to swap in black beans or pinto beans depending on your preference. Just make sure to rinse canned beans well to keep the flavors clean.
What if I don’t have beef broth?
No worries if beef broth isn’t on hand—you can substitute with water or vegetable broth. The chili may be a bit lighter in flavor, but the spices and other ingredients will still carry the dish wonderfully.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! After browning the meat and sautéing the veggies, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it delight that will fill your home with irresistible aromas.
Final Thoughts
This Chili Con Carne Recipe is truly a showstopper that’s both simple and sensational. It’s a dish that comforts the soul and energizes the dinner table with warmth and flavor. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite go-to meal for any day of the week.
Print
Chili Con Carne Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and flavorful Chili Con Carne recipe featuring ground beef, beans, and a blend of spices simmered to perfection. This comforting dish is perfect for a cozy meal and can be served with rice, bread, or tortilla chips.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing until they are softened, about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Brown meat: Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook it until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon to ensure even cooking. This process takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes to toast the spices and release their flavors.
- Combine ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the pot. Stir everything well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Serve the chili hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired. It pairs wonderfully with rice, crusty bread, or tortilla chips for a complete meal.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Adjust chili powder and spices according to your preferred heat level.
- To make it vegetarian, replace meat with extra beans or lentils and use vegetable broth.
- Simmering the chili longer can enhance flavors even further.
- This chili freezes well; store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
