Here’s a classic Chili Con Carne recipe—hearty, spicy, and perfect for a comforting meal. 🌶️🥩🍲
Chili Con Carne
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1–2 tbsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 can (14–15 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (14–15 oz / 400 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup (240 ml) beef or chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, cilantro
Instructions
- Cook the aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté onion until soft (~5 minutes). Add garlic and cook 30–60 seconds.
- Brown the meat
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Season
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add liquids and beans
- Pour in diced tomatoes and broth. Add kidney beans. Stir to combine.
- Simmer
- Reduce heat to low and simmer 30–45 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally. Sauce should thicken.
- Serve
- Serve hot with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or cilantro.
- Optional: Serve with rice, cornbread, or tortilla chips.
Tips
- Deeper flavor: Simmer 1–2 hours for richer, more developed taste.
- Spice control: Adjust chili powder and cayenne to your preferred heat level.
- Vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, corn, or carrots for extra texture.
- Make ahead: Chili tastes even better the next day and freezes well for up to 3 months.
I can also give you a quick 20-minute chili con carne recipe that’s perfect for weeknights but still rich and flavorful.
Do you want me to do that?
