Hearty and Spicy Chili con Carne: A Classic Comfort Food Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (14 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, chopped green onions, sour cream

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is translucent.
  3. Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until it's no longer pink, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
  4. Add the bell pepper to the pot and cook for another 2 minutes.
  5. Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir everything together well.
  6. In a small bowl, mix the beef broth and tomato paste together until smooth, then add this mixture to the pot.
  7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Serve the chili in bowls with your choice of toppings.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - Needed to cook the chili and hold all the ingredients.
  • Stovetop or heat source - Required to heat the pot and cook the chili.
  • Cutting board - Used for chopping the onion and bell pepper.
  • Knife - Needed to cut the onion and bell pepper into smaller pieces.
  • Garlic press or mincer - Used to mince the garlic cloves.
  • Wooden spoon - Essential for stirring and combining the ingredients in the pot.
  • Small bowl - Used to mix the beef broth and tomato paste together.
  • Measuring spoons - Required to accurately measure the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
  • Measuring cup - Used to measure the beef broth.

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian option: Replace the ground beef with textured vegetable protein (TVP) or cooked lentils for a meat-free chili.
  • Spicier version: Increase the amount of chili powder or add a diced jalapeno pepper for extra heat.
  • White bean chili: Replace the kidney beans with white beans for a different flavor profile.
  • Chunky chili: Add diced vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, or corn for added texture.
  • Slow cooker variation: Cook the chili on low heat in a slow cooker for 6-8 hours for a hands-off approach.
  • Beef alternatives: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different taste.
  • Bean variations: Experiment with different types of beans like black beans, pinto beans, or cannellini beans.
  • Extra toppings: Offer a variety of toppings like avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, or crushed tortilla chips for additional flavor and crunch.

Recipe overview

This hearty Chili con Carne recipe is a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for cool weather and group gatherings. With a flavorful mix of ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices, this chili packs a punch of flavor. The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, requiring simple cooking techniques like sautéing and simmering. With a total prep and cook time of about an hour, you'll have a delicious, warming meal on the table in no time. Serve it up with your favorite chili toppings such as shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for a satisfying meal that's sure to be a hit.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
  2. Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian meat alternatives.
  3. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
  4. Absolutely! Simply brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic on the stovetop, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  5. Can I make this recipe in advance?
  6. Yes, chili con carne actually tastes even better the next day! You can make it in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
  7. Can I freeze leftovers?
  8. Absolutely! Allow the chili to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
  9. Is this recipe spicy?
  10. The chili powder in the recipe adds some heat, but it's not overly spicy. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of chili powder or omit it entirely.
  11. What are some suggested toppings?
  12. Common toppings for chili con carne include shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and sour cream. You can also add diced avocado, jalapenos, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - Used for cooking the chili on the stovetop.
  • Wooden spoon - Ideal for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pot.
  • Small bowl - Needed for mixing the beef broth and tomato paste together.
  • Bowls - Used for serving the chili.
  • Optional toppings - Shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and sour cream can be used as toppings for the chili.

Origin stories

Chili con Carne, often simply known as "chili", is a spicy stew containing chili peppers, meat, and often tomatoes and beans. The dish is generally associated with the Tex-Mex cuisine, a fusion of American and Mexican foodways, but its origins are a matter of dispute. Some say it was born in Ensenada, Mexico, home to a mix of different cultures and cuisines. Others claim it was first concocted by Canary Islanders who immigrated to San Antonio, Texas, in the 1700s. Regardless of the dispute over its birthplace, Chili con Carne remains a beloved dish in both Mexico and the United States, celebrated for its rich flavors and satisfying heartiness. Did you know that in 1977 the Texas legislature officially proclaimed chili the state food of Texas "in recognition of the fact that the only real 'bowl of red' is that prepared by Texans?" So next time you're stirring a pot of this hearty stew, remember you're partaking in a tradition that's as rich and complex as the dish itself.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.