If you’re craving a dish that packs a punch of flavor and warmth, look no further than this classic Chili Con Carne Recipe. This hearty stew brings together tender ground beef, vibrant beans, and luscious tomatoes all simmered slowly with a fragrant medley of spices. It’s a soul-satisfying meal perfect for cozy nights at home, lively game day gatherings, or anytime you want a deliciously comforting bite. Each mouthful offers that perfect balance of boldness and richness, making this Chili Con Carne Recipe an absolute favorite to have in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients ready is straightforward but absolutely crucial—the right combination gives your chili that authentic Tex-Mex flair and hearty texture you’re craving. Every item in this list plays a vital role, whether it’s building depth, adding color, or balancing the flavors.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the veggies and adding a subtle fruity richness.
- 1 large onion (chopped): Adds a sweet and aromatic base to the chili.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the dish with a warm, robust punch.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty core, giving the chili its meaty backbone.
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped): Brings a mild sweetness and vibrant color to the pot.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor for that deep, satisfying taste.
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes: Provides juiciness and balances the spice with natural acidity.
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans (drained and rinsed): Adds heartiness with a creamy texture.
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans (drained and rinsed): Gives extra fiber and a different bean texture to keep each bite interesting.
- 1 cup beef broth: Enhances savory depth and helps everything meld beautifully.
- 2 tsp chili powder: The star spice that brings warmth and smokiness.
- 1 tsp ground cumin: Adds earthy, slightly nutty undertones crucial to chili’s signature flavor.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Delivers smoky richness and a gentle heat.
- ½ tsp oregano: Introduces a subtle herbaceous note that brightens the dish.
- ½ tsp salt: Balances all flavors perfectly.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Adds a mild bite to complement the chili powder.
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat): For those who love a little extra kick.
- Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions (for garnish): Fresh garnishes that add a beautiful finish and lively freshness.
How to Make Chili Con Carne Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Base
Begin by warming the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and cook it gently for about 3 to 4 minutes until it’s soft and translucent—this rings in the perfect aromatic base. Then, add the minced garlic and let it cook for just a minute more to release its fragrant oils without turning bitter. This step lays the foundation for all the flavors to build upon in the next stages.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Drop in the ground beef and break it apart with your spoon. Cooking it until nicely browned is key—it develops those rich, meaty flavors and gives the chili body. Aim for no pink bits left, which usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. The browned bits that stick to the pot are pure flavor gold, so don’t rush this step!
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Tomato Paste
Mix in the chopped red bell pepper and the tomato paste, stirring to coat everything evenly. Cook them together for roughly two minutes so the pepper softens slightly and the tomato paste caramelizes a little, deepening its flavor. This elevates the base into something beautifully rich and vibrant.
Step 4: Combine Remaining Ingredients and Simmer
Now, pour in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if you’re feeling adventurous. Stir everything thoroughly, then bring it to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let this mingle and thicken for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This slow simmer melds all those flavors into a luscious, cohesive stew that’ll make your kitchen smell divine.
Step 5: Final Touches
Once your chili has thickened and tastes perfectly rich and bold, give it a quick taste and tweak the seasoning if needed. This is your moment to customize heat or salt levels according to your preference. Once you’re happy, it’s ready to serve!
How to Serve Chili Con Carne Recipe
Garnishes
Toppings can transform your chili from delicious to unforgettable. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or sliced green onions on top to add inviting bursts of freshness. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese melts in beautifully and balances the smoky spices. If you want a little crunch, crushed tortilla chips or a dash of diced avocado are amazing choices.
Side Dishes
This chili shines when paired with classic sides like fluffy cornbread or warm, buttered rice. A crisp green salad or simple roasted vegetables offer a refreshing contrast. For something fun, serve with tortilla wraps for chili tacos or loaded chili fries — the options are endless and delicious.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual but crowd-pleasing presentation, serve the chili in small bowls at a party buffet with lots of topping options so everyone can customize their own. For a hearty family dinner, ladle the chili over baked potatoes or stuffed bell peppers to make the meal feel special. Get creative with edible bowls like bread bowls for a rustic twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chili is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Be sure to cool the chili completely before refrigerating to keep the texture and taste fresh.
Freezing
This Chili Con Carne Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw overnight in the fridge and you’re set for a quick reheat.
Reheating
Reheat your chili gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This prevents sticking or burning and helps the texture stay perfect. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring every minute for even heating.
FAQs
Can I make this chili without beans?
Absolutely! If you prefer a traditional Texas-style chili, simply skip the beans. The spices and beef still provide plenty of flavor, and you can add extra vegetables to bulk it up if you like.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work great in this recipe. Just adjust cooking times accordingly, as leaner meats can cook faster and sometimes dry out, so keep an eye on moisture levels.
How spicy is this chili con carne?
The heat level is moderate by default, with optional cayenne pepper to add more kick. You can always reduce or omit the cayenne and adjust the chili powder based on your spice tolerance.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and tasty option for anyone avoiding gluten.
Can I prepare this in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic first, then combine everything in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for about 3 to 4 hours. The flavors will meld beautifully over that longer cook time.
Final Thoughts
This Chili Con Carne Recipe is a genuine treasure—full of flavor, comforting textures, and irresistible warmth that make it a go-to for many occasions. Whether you’re a chili lover or just looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal, I encourage you to dive into this recipe. It’s guaranteed to become one of your favorite hearty dishes, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Give it a go and enjoy every hearty, flavorful bite!
Print
Chili Con Carne Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex, American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chili Con Carne is a bold, hearty stew made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a flavorful blend of spices. This classic comfort food is slow-simmered to perfection, resulting in a rich and satisfying dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners, game days, or feeding a crowd. Serve it with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and cornbread on the side.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Garnish
- Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even cooking and prevent clumps.
- Add vegetables and tomato paste: Stir in the chopped red bell pepper and tomato paste, cooking for about 2 minutes to deepen the flavors.
- Combine remaining ingredients: Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the chili: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili is thickened and the flavors meld together.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the chili and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve hot garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions, alongside your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese or sour cream.
Notes
- This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop overnight.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months for longer preservation.
- For a lighter variation, substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Add corn or jalapeños for extra texture and a flavor boost.
