The Best Chili Con Carne Recipe That Warms Your Soul

Crafting a hearty chili con carne brings warmth to chilly evenings and comfort to hungry souls.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic dish with their unique twists.

Robust spices dance through tender meat, creating a symphony of flavors that tantalize the palate.

Mexican culinary traditions shine in every spoonful of this rich, satisfying meal.

Deep layers of complexity emerge from carefully selected ingredients and patient simmering.

Unexpected herbs and strategic seasoning can elevate this traditional recipe from good to extraordinary.

You’ll want to gather your ingredients and start cooking right now.

FAQs

• What are the key spices in this chili con carne recipe?

The key spices are chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, which create a deep, complex flavor profile that gives the chili its traditional taste and aroma.

• Can I make this chili con carne spicier?

Yes, you can increase the heat by adding jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or using a hotter variety of chili powder to match your preferred spice level.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This chili con carne freezes well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time and enjoying multiple meals.

Classic Chili Con Carne with Rich Flavors

• Whip Up Hearty Comfort: This chili con carne delivers rich, warming flavors that hug your taste buds with every spoonful, perfect for satisfying hunger and craving something substantial.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple modifications like adding different beans, adjusting spice levels, or topping with cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro to match personal preferences.
• Quick One-Pot Wonder: Minimal kitchen equipment needed and straightforward cooking steps mean you can prepare a delicious meal without complicated techniques or extensive cleanup afterward.
• Family-Friendly Meal: Kid-approved and crowd-pleasing dish that works great for casual gatherings, weeknight dinners, or potluck events where everyone enjoys a classic, filling recipe.

Ingredients Needed for Chili Con Carne

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the main protein for the chili.

• Onions, Garlic: These ingredients create a rich and deep flavor foundation for the dish.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika: These spices add warmth, depth, and complexity to the chili's flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Bell Peppers, Tomato Paste, Crushed Tomatoes: These ingredients add moisture, sweetness, and a vibrant color to the chili.

• Beef Broth: Provides additional flavor and helps create the perfect chili consistency.

• Kidney Beans, Black Beans: These beans add texture, protein, and a creamy element to the chili.

• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the aromatics and prevent sticking in the pot.

Stepwise Instructions for Chili Con Carne

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium flame.

Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and release their aromatic magic.

Step 2: Brown the Protein

Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it into crumbly pieces.

Cook until the meat develops a rich, golden-brown color.

Carefully drain away any excess fat to keep the dish lean and delicious.

Step 3: Spice It Up

• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Tomato paste

Stir and cook for a quick 1-2 minutes to awaken the spices’ intense flavors.

Step 4: Build the Liquid Base

• Diced bell peppers
• Crushed tomatoes
• Beef broth

Bring the mixture to a gentle, bubbling simmer.

Step 5: Add Bean Goodness

Fold in kidney beans and black beans.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, creating a perfect flavor balance.

Step 6: Let the Magic Happen

Reduce heat to low and let the chili simmer for 30 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming chili into bowls.

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños

Pro Tips for Perfect Chili Con Carne

• Choose ground beef with 85% lean or higher to reduce excess fat and create a healthier chili without sacrificing flavor.
• Toast spices in the pot for 30-60 seconds before adding liquids to enhance their aromatic qualities and intensify the overall taste profile.
• Adjust chili powder and add cayenne pepper gradually to customize heat intensity, allowing each person to enjoy their preferred spiciness.
• Rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and consider mixing different bean types like pinto or cannellini for unique texture and flavor complexity.
• Cover the pot partially during cooking to prevent excessive liquid evaporation while allowing steam to escape, ensuring a rich and thick consistency.

Variations to Change Up Chili Con Carne

• Vegetarian Chili: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra firm tofu, using the same spices and cooking method for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Turkey Chili Lean Option: Swap ground beef with ground turkey for a lower-fat alternative that maintains the rich flavor profile and hearty texture.
• Slow Cooker Adaptation: Transfer all ingredients after browning meat to a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours for deeper flavor infusion and convenient preparation.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced jalapeños, increase chili powder, and include a dash of cayenne pepper for those who enjoy a more intense heat level in their chili.

Serving Ideas for Chili Con Carne

• Southwestern Sidekick Feast: Pair this hearty chili with warm, fluffy cornbread for a classic comfort combo that soaks up all those delicious spicy juices.
• Toppings Extravaganza: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, dollop sour cream, scatter fresh chopped cilantro, and add sliced jalapeños for a customizable flavor explosion.
• Rice Bed Delight: Serve the chili over steamed white or brown rice to create a satisfying one-bowl meal that stretches your servings and adds a perfect texture contrast.
• Nacho Night Twist: Transform the chili into a crowd-pleasing nacho topping by spreading it over crispy tortilla chips, then melting cheese on top for an irresistible game day treat.

How to Store Chili Con Carne Properly

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freezes perfectly for up to 4 months without losing flavor quality.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour chili into a saucepan, add a splash of beef broth to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through and steaming.

Chili Con Carne Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican chili con carne delivers hearty comfort through layers of spicy beef and rich tomato sauce. Robust flavors blend with beans and warm spices, creating a satisfying meal perfect for sharing with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (80/20 blend)

Vegetables:

• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Liquids and Canned Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can (28 ounces / 794 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef broth

Beans:

• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed

Cooking Oil:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese
• Sliced green onions
• Chopped cilantro

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a substantial cooking vessel over medium flame, gently sautéing onions and garlic until they transform into a translucent, aromatic base.
2. Introduce ground beef to the pot, allowing it to caramelize and brown thoroughly, then carefully eliminate any excess rendering.
3. Incorporate a vibrant blend of spices including chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and tomato paste, toasting them briefly to intensify their robust flavors.
4. Pour in diced bell peppers, crushed tomatoes, and rich beef broth, creating a harmonious liquid foundation and bringing the mixture to a gentle, bubbling simmer.
5. Fold in kidney and black beans, seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate the overall taste profile.
6. Reduce heat to low, allowing the chili to develop depth and complexity by simmering uncovered for approximately 30 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent scorching.
7. When the texture reaches a thick, hearty consistency, ladle the chili into warm serving bowls and embellish with preferred garnishes like fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier protein option that reduces saturated fat content while maintaining rich flavor.
• Enhance depth by blooming spices in oil before adding other ingredients, which helps release their full aromatic potential and intensifies overall taste.
• For vegetarian adaptation, replace ground meat with plant-based crumbles or extra beans like lentils and add mushrooms for hearty texture and umami richness.
• Control spice levels by gradually adding chili powder and adjusting according to personal heat preference, ensuring a balanced and enjoyable meal for everyone.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg