If you’re searching for a warm, hearty dish that instantly comforts and feeds a crowd, look no further than the Lunch Lady Chili con Carne Recipe. This classic chili blends a perfectly seasoned, lean ground beef base with the vibrant flavors of chili powder, cumin, and smoky paprika, all simmered to rich, aromatic perfection. Each spoonful delivers a balanced medley of spices and tender beans, making it the ultimate go-to for a satisfying lunch or dinner that feels like a big, cozy hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role—whether it’s building the base flavor, lending texture, or adding a pop of color. These simple staples come together effortlessly, guaranteeing a dish that’s as delicious as it is comforting.
- 1¾ lb lean ground beef: The protein-packed heart of the chili, providing rich flavor without excess fat.
- 2 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes: Adds a subtle sweetness and the essential onion aroma without any chopping.
- 1¼ tsp garlic powder: Brings warmth and depth to enhance the savory beef.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Offers a gentle kick and balances the spices.
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste): Unlocks and intensifies all other flavors in the dish.
- 2¼ tsp chili powder: The star spice providing chili’s signature smoky, slightly spicy taste.
- ¾ tsp paprika: Adds a mild smoky aroma and beautiful color.
- ¾ tsp onion powder: Boosts onion flavor, layering complexity in every bite.
- 1½ tsp cumin: Provides earthy undertones and warmth that make chili unmistakably comforting.
- 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained): Introduces acidity and juiciness, forming a vibrant sauce base.
- 2¼ cups water: Helps achieve the perfect simmering consistency as the flavors meld.
- 1 (6-oz) can tomato paste: Deepens the tomato flavor and thickens the chili for a luscious texture.
- 1 (15-oz) can chili beans (undrained): Adds hearty, soft beans that complete the chili with creamy bites.
How to Make Lunch Lady Chili con Carne Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and cooking the lean ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Make sure you break the meat up into small pieces so it cooks evenly. Once cooked, drain off any excess grease to keep the chili from becoming too oily, ensuring a clean, rich base.
Step 2: Add the Dry Spices
Sprinkle in the dried minced onion flakes, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, and cumin right into the pot with the beef. Stir everything together so the spices coat the meat evenly—this builds a foundational flavor that will permeate every bite of your chili.
Step 3: Stir in the Tomatoes and Liquids
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, add the water, and stir in the tomato paste. Bringing this mixture to a boil allows all those spices and ingredients to start melding beautifully. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently. This simmering step thickens the chili and develops its hearty, complex flavor—patience here pays off deliciously.
Step 4: Add the Beans and Finish Cooking
Finally, stir in the canned chili beans along with their liquid and cook for an additional 10 minutes. This final step ensures the beans warm through and absorb the savory spices, rounding out the dish with satisfying creaminess and texture.
How to Serve Lunch Lady Chili con Carne Recipe
Garnishes
While this chili is amazing all on its own, adding a few garnishes takes it to the next level. Consider a dollop of sour cream to cool and complement the spice, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar for richness, or a handful of freshly chopped cilantro for a bright, herbal lift. Sliced jalapeños or green onions add extra zing and crunch if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
This chili shines alongside a variety of sides. Classic cornbread makes a perfect partner with its sweet crumb and buttery texture. Warm tortilla chips, a simple green salad, or even steamed rice also work beautifully to round out the meal with contrasting textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chili in individual hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic touch, or layer it over baked potatoes for a loaded, comfort-food experience. You can even turn it into a chili cheese dip served with crunchy veggies or crackers—great for parties or casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your chili has cooled, transfer it into airtight containers and store it in the refrigerator. Leftover Lunch Lady Chili con Carne Recipe keeps well for up to 4 days, making it an excellent make-ahead meal that tastes even better the next day.
Freezing
This chili freezes wonderfully, so you can batch cook and save time later. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion, and it will stay good for up to 3 months. Just label your containers with the date for easy meal planning.
Reheating
Reheat your chili gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway to ensure even heating. If the chili thickens too much after refrigerating or freezing, simply add a splash of water to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I make the Lunch Lady Chili con Carne Recipe vegetarian?
While this recipe is designed with ground beef, you can substitute with plant-based ground meat or extra beans for a vegetarian version. Adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms will also bulk it up nicely without compromising flavor.
How spicy is this chili?
The chili powder and paprika provide mild to moderate heat, making this chili friendly for most palates. If you prefer it spicier, increase the chili powder or add fresh chili peppers or hot sauce to taste.
What is the best type of beans to use?
Chili beans from a can are a convenient, classic choice here, offering a slightly seasoned bean that complements the flavors perfectly. You can also use kidney beans or pinto beans if preferred for a different texture or taste.
Can I use fresh onions instead of dried minced onion flakes?
Absolutely! Swap the dried onion flakes for about half a medium onion, finely chopped, sautéed with the ground beef for an even fresher flavor and texture.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly after adding garnishes?
It’s best to freeze the chili without garnishes like sour cream or cheese. Add these fresh after reheating to maintain their texture and flavor for the best experience.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Lunch Lady Chili con Carne Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that warms you from the inside out and brings people together. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch that feels both nostalgic and incredibly satisfying. Nothing beats that first spoonful of chili bubbling fresh from the pot, and this recipe will quickly become a cherished staple in your kitchen.
Print
Lunch Lady Chili con Carne Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Lunch Lady Chili con Carne is a hearty, flavorful dish made with lean ground beef, a blend of aromatic spices, tomatoes, and chili beans. Perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner, this chili simmers on the stovetop to develop rich layers of taste and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Meat and Spices
- 1¾ lb lean ground beef
- 2 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes
- 1¼ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- 2¼ tsp chili powder
- ¾ tsp paprika
- ¾ tsp onion powder
- 1½ tsp cumin
Liquids and Beans
- 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 2¼ cups water
- 1 (6-oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (15-oz) can chili beans (undrained)
Instructions
- Cook the beef: In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the lean ground beef until it is no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease to reduce fat and keep the chili from being too oily.
- Add spices: To the cooked beef, add dried minced onion flakes, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, and cumin. Stir well to fully coat the meat with the spices and release their flavors.
- Add liquids and simmer: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, water, and tomato paste. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently. Allow the chili to cook uncovered until it thickens, which should take about 20 minutes.
- Add beans and finish cooking: Finally, stir in the chili beans along with their liquid. Continue cooking the chili on low heat for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the beans to heat through thoroughly.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice levels by adding extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you prefer it hotter.
- For a thicker chili, simmer longer to reduce excess liquid.
- Serve with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
- This chili freezes well—store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
