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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a substantial cooking vessel over medium flame, gently sautéing onions and garlic until they transform into a translucent, aromatic base.
- Introduce ground beef to the pot, allowing it to caramelize and brown thoroughly, then carefully eliminate any excess rendering.
- Incorporate a vibrant blend of spices including chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and tomato paste, toasting them briefly to intensify their robust flavors.
- 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.
- Fold in kidney and black beans, seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate the overall taste profile.
- Reduce heat to low, allowing the chili to develop depth and complexity by simmering uncovered for approximately 30 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent scorching.
- 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