Chili con Carne

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of chili con carne. This hearty dish, packed with rich flavors and a perfect balance of spices, is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a casual get-together, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is straightforward, delicious, and satisfying. The great thing about chili is its versatility — you can easily adjust the heat level and ingredients to suit your taste. Today, I’m sharing my favorite way to make chili con carne, using simple ingredients that come together to create a deep, robust flavor you’ll want to make again and again.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

This chili con carne recipe stands out because it strikes the perfect balance between bold spices and hearty ingredients without overwhelming your palate. It uses lean ground beef that’s cooked to juicy perfection, combined with tomatoes, beans, and a blend of spices that enhance every bite. The slow simmering allows the flavors to develop fully, giving you that authentic chili taste that’s both comforting and exciting.

Another reason why you should try this recipe is its simplicity. You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s easy to prepare on a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend. Plus, it’s naturally rich in protein and fiber, making it a wholesome option for any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground lamb for extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth (or water)
• 1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions

How To Make Chili con Carne

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the ground beef

Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned all over and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the chili from getting greasy.

Step 3: Add spices

Sprinkle the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper over the beef. Stir well to coat the meat and allow the spices to toast slightly, releasing their aroma, about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate tomatoes and broth

Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything together, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze and lift any flavorful bits stuck to the pan.

Step 5: Simmer the chili

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 6: Add beans and finish cooking

Stir in the kidney beans and black beans. Continue to simmer uncovered for another 15 minutes, allowing the chili to thicken slightly. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 7: Serve and garnish

Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro and your favorite toppings. Enjoy with warm bread, rice, or tortilla chips for a complete meal.

Expert Tips

• Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven for even heat distribution and to prevent burning.
• For deeper flavor, brown the meat in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
• Don’t skip the simmering step — it’s essential for the flavors to fully develop and for the chili to thicken properly.
• If you prefer a thicker chili, mash some of the beans with the back of a spoon during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or cayenne pepper gradually to suit your taste.
• For a smoky flavor, add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce or a few drops of liquid smoke.
• Leftover chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Variations and Customizations

• Vegetarian Chili: Replace the ground beef with diced mushrooms, lentils, or textured vegetable protein for a meatless version.
• Spicy Chili: Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to increase the heat.
• Smoky Chili: Incorporate smoked paprika and chipotle peppers for a rich smoky flavor.
• Chunky Chili: Add chopped bell peppers or corn for extra texture and sweetness.
• Slow Cooker Chili: Brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
• Spiced-Up Chili: Add a dash of cinnamon or a pinch of cocoa powder for an interesting twist.

How to Store Leftovers

Let the chili cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the chili in individual portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick.

FAQ

Can I make chili con carne without beans?

Absolutely! Traditional Texas-style chili often omits beans. You can simply leave them out or add extra meat and vegetables to keep the chili hearty and filling.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

You can substitute ground beef with ground lamb, turkey, or chicken. Just make sure whichever you choose is fresh and cooked thoroughly. For a plant-based option, use lentils, mushrooms, or textured vegetable protein.

How do I make the chili less spicy?

Reduce or omit the chili powder and cayenne pepper. You can also add a bit of sugar or a splash of dairy like sour cream or yogurt to balance the heat.

Can I prepare this chili in advance?

Yes! Chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Prepare it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Conclusion

This chili con carne recipe is a timeless classic that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. It’s packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for yourself, this chili offers warmth, comfort, and satisfaction in every bite. Don’t be afraid to tweak the spice levels and ingredients to make it your own. Serve it with your favorite toppings and sides, and enjoy a delicious meal that’s perfect any time of year.