Hearty Chili Con Carne Recipe: Cozy Bowl of Flavor Bliss

Hearty and robust, this chili con carne recipe promises a flavor explosion that’ll warm your soul on chilly evenings.

Spices dance through tender meat, creating a symphony of taste that beckons comfort.

Robust ingredients mingle in a pot, telling stories of culinary passion and home-cooked goodness.

Mexican-inspired seasonings weave magic into every bite, promising satisfaction beyond simple hunger.

Bold flavors emerge from carefully selected components, turning an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Each spoonful carries depth and character, inviting you to savor every nuanced moment.

Grab your apron and let’s transform simple ingredients into a memorable feast that celebrates delicious tradition.

FAQs

• What are the key spices in this chili recipe?

The key spices are chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper, which create a robust and complex flavor profile.

• Why add apple cider vinegar at the end?

Apple cider vinegar adds a bright, tangy finish that balances the rich and hearty flavors of the chili, enhancing the overall taste by providing a subtle acidity.

• Can I make this chili less spicy?

Yes, you can reduce or omit the jalapeno peppers and cayenne pepper to lower the heat level while maintaining the chili’s delicious flavor.

• Is this a traditional Texas-style chili?

While inspired by traditional chili, this recipe includes beans and tomatoes, which differ from classic Texas chili that typically uses only meat and spices.

What Makes Chili Con Carne So Tasty

Craft a Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: This pumpkin pie cheesecake brings together two beloved desserts in one irresistible treat.

Stress-Free Baking: No complicated techniques required – simple mixing and baking steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Seasonal Sensation: Perfect for autumn gatherings, holiday celebrations, and cozy weekend desserts that showcase warm, comforting spices.

Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert in advance and let it chill in the refrigerator, reducing day-of cooking stress and allowing flavors to develop beautifully.

Ingredients For Chili Con Carne

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

• Kidney Beans: A classic chili ingredient that adds texture and additional protein to the dish.

• Onion: Provides a sweet and savory foundation for the chili's flavor profile.
• Green Bell Pepper: Adds a mild, fresh vegetable crunch and subtle sweetness.
• Garlic: Offers a robust and pungent flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Jalapeno Peppers: Introduces a spicy kick and vibrant heat to the chili.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Create a rich, tangy sauce that binds all ingredients together.
• Beef Broth: Provides depth and moisture to the chili's consistency.

• Chili Powder, Ground Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Oregano: A blend of spices that gives the chili its classic southwestern flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy note that balances the rich flavors.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and creating a foundation for the chili.

How To Prepare Chili Con Carne

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until they become translucent and soft, releasing their sweet fragrance.

Step 2: Build Vegetable Layer

Introduce green bell peppers and cook until tender. Fold in minced garlic and chopped jalapeno peppers, letting them sizzle and release their vibrant flavors for about a minute.

Step 3: Brown the Protein

Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is completely browned and no pink remains.

Step 4: Create Tomato Foundation

• Kidney beans
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce

Stir thoroughly to combine all components.

Step 5: Spice It Up

• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper

Distribute spices evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 6: Develop Liquid Base

Pour beef broth into the pot, stirring to incorporate all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 7: Slow Simmer

Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for 45-60 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 8: Final Flavor Boost

Remove from heat and splash in apple cider vinegar, stirring to add a bright, tangy finish to your chili con carne.

Tips For Perfect Chili Con Carne

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier chili.
• Enhance flavor depth by toasting whole spices before grinding them for a more intense taste profile.
• Experiment with different protein options like ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a versatile meal.
• Control heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper and jalapeno quantities to suit personal spice preferences.
• Maximize tenderness by using a slow cooker method, allowing ingredients to meld together over low, steady heat.

Flavor Variations For Chili Con Carne

• Vegetarian Chili: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans like black beans and pinto beans for protein. Add diced zucchini and mushrooms for hearty texture.
• Slow Cooker Version: Brown meat and vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours for deeper flavor development.
• Spicy Southwest Chili: Increase cayenne pepper and add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Include corn kernels and use fire-roasted tomatoes for smoky complexity.
• White Chicken Chili: Swap beef for shredded chicken, use white beans instead of kidney beans. Add green chiles and reduce spice level for a milder version.

Serving Suggestions For Chili Con Carne

• Hearty Game Night Feast: Serve this robust chili in individual bread bowls for a fun, interactive dining experience. Guests can tear apart the crusty bread and scoop up the rich, spicy mixture.
• Tex-Mex Loaded Platter: Top the chili with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and crispy tortilla strips. Create a colorful, customizable spread that lets everyone build their perfect plate.
• Campfire Comfort Bowl: Pair the chili with fluffy cornbread or buttery rice. This classic combination brings warmth and satisfaction, perfect for cozy evenings or outdoor gatherings with friends and family.

How To Store Chili Con Carne Properly

• Store chili in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep the container sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of beef broth if the chili seems too thick.
• Divide chili into individual serving sizes before storing. This makes reheating easier and helps maintain the dish's quality when defrosting smaller portions.

Chili Con Carne Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty chili con carne recipe blends rich Mexican flavors with robust beef and aromatic spices. Simmered beans and tender meat create a comforting meal you’ll savor with warm tortillas and zesty toppings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1–2 jalapeno peppers, minced (optional)
• 2 tbsps chili powder
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground oregano
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium-high heat, gently sautéing diced onions until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Incorporate green bell peppers, cooking until they soften and develop a slight tenderness, then introduce minced garlic and jalapeño peppers, allowing them to release their aromatic essence for about 60 seconds.
3. Introduce ground beef into the pot, methodically crumbling the meat with a wooden spoon, and cook until the protein browns completely and loses its raw appearance, roughly 7-8 minutes.
4. Blend kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce into the meat mixture, creating a rich and hearty foundation for the chili.
5. Enhance the mixture with a robust blend of spices: chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and a hint of cayenne pepper for additional warmth.
6. Integrate beef broth into the pot, thoroughly mixing the ingredients and ensuring even distribution of flavors, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
7. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and allow the chili to develop its complex flavors by simmering for 45-60 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
8. Finish the dish by stirring in apple cider vinegar just before serving, which will add a bright, tangy dimension to the deep, rich chili.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier protein option that keeps the dish nutritious and diet-friendly.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or eliminating cayenne pepper for those with sensitive palates, ensuring everyone can enjoy the chili.
• Add depth to the flavor by letting the chili rest overnight, allowing spices to meld and intensify the overall taste profile.
• Enhance nutritional value by incorporating additional vegetables like diced zucchini or carrots, boosting the dish’s vitamins and fiber content.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 670 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg