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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Blend kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce into the meat mixture, creating a rich and hearty foundation for the chili.
- 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.
- Integrate beef broth into the pot, thoroughly mixing the ingredients and ensuring even distribution of flavors, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- 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.
- 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