The Heartiest Chili Con Carne Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

My culinary adventure with chili con carne started on a chilly winter evening when comfort food called my name.

Hearty flavors began dancing through my kitchen, promising warmth and satisfaction.

Robust spices and tender meat create a legendary dish that feels like a culinary embrace.

Mexican-inspired cooking brings bold ingredients together in one delicious pot.

Regional variations spark passion among home cooks seeking the perfect balance of heat and depth.

Rich beans mingle with smoky ground beef, creating a symphony of taste that captures hearts.

Chili Con Carne With Deep Spices And Bold Finish

• Savor Quick Family Dinner: This chili con carne recipe delivers a hearty meal in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights when everyone craves something delicious and satisfying.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the spice levels and toppings to suit individual preferences, making it a crowd-pleasing dish that keeps everyone happy and well-fed.
• Budget-Friendly Protein Powerhouse: Using affordable ground beef and pantry staples, this recipe provides a nutritious and filling meal without breaking the bank, stretching your grocery dollars effectively.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and simple cooking steps mean less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a warm, comforting meal with your loved ones.

What’s Found In A Bowl Of Chili Con Carne

• Ground Beef: Classic protein packed with rich flavor, 80/20 blend offers perfect balance of lean meat and fat for juicy results.

• Onions, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders that provide deep, savory undertones and aromatic base.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Provide tangy, rich base with concentrated tomato essence and fresh, bright acidity.

• Beef Broth, Beer: Moisture source that adds depth and helps create smooth, rich sauce.

• Kidney Beans: Hearty protein and texture enhancer, adds substantial body to chili.

• Chili Powder, Ground Cumin, Dried Oregano: Complex spice mixture creating traditional chili flavor profile with warm, earthy notes.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: Fundamental seasoning for balancing and enhancing overall taste, optional cayenne for heat lovers.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Sour Cream, Chopped Green Onions, Corn Chips, Cornbread: Classic toppings that add texture, coolness, and complementary flavors.

Chili Con Carne Method

Step 1: Brown Ground Beef

Heat a large pot over medium flame.

Crumble ground beef into the pot and cook until no pink remains.

Carefully drain away excess grease using a colander.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Toss chopped onions and crushed garlic into the same pot.

Sauté until vegetables become translucent and release their aromatic qualities.

Step 3: Build Hearty Chili Mixture

• Diced tomatoes
• Kidney beans
• Tomato paste
• Beef broth

Stir ingredients thoroughly to combine and create a rich foundation.

Step 4: Spice Up the Dish

• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Dried oregano
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper

Mix spices evenly throughout the mixture to distribute flavors.

Step 5: Slow Cook and Develop Depth

Bring the chili to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low.

Cover and let simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

This allows flavors to meld and intensify.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Dollop of sour cream
• Chopped green onions

Serve alongside crispy corn chips or warm cornbread for a complete meal.

Chef-Level Tips For Chili Con Carne Success

• Choose ground beef with 80/20 or 85/15 fat content for rich, juicy flavor without excess grease.
• Adjust cayenne and chili powder to make the dish mild, medium, or extra hot based on personal heat tolerance.
• Experiment with different beans like black beans or pinto beans for unique texture and additional protein.
• Replace beans with extra vegetables or use cauliflower rice as a base for a keto-friendly version of chili con carne.
• This chili tastes even better the next day, so prepare in advance and let flavors develop overnight in the refrigerator.

Chili Con Carne Easy Guide To Storing And Reheating

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air and seal tightly. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Warm chili in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth if needed to maintain moisture.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Warm in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until heated through. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain texture and flavor.

Complements for Chili Con Carne

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the rich, spicy flavors of chili con carne, cutting through the meat's richness.
• Create Beer Harmony: Choose a dark craft beer like a stout or amber ale, which matches the chili's deep, smoky undertones and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the spicy dish.
• Elevate with Cornbread Companion: Serve warm, slightly sweet cornbread alongside the chili, offering a perfect textural contrast and absorbing the robust sauce while balancing the heat.
• Enhance with Cool Sides: Add fresh, crisp sides like a tangy coleslaw or green salad with lime vinaigrette to provide a bright, acidic balance to the hearty chili.

Chili Con Carne Reinventions

• Vegetarian Chili: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles, extra firm tofu, or a mix of black and pinto beans for a protein-packed meat-free version.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after browning beef and sautéing vegetables, cook on low for 6-8 hours for deeper flavor development.
• Lean Protein Option: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat alternative that maintains classic chili texture and taste.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chilies, increase cayenne pepper, and mix in smoked paprika for an intense, fire-roasted flavor profile that brings extra heat to the traditional recipe.

FAQs

• Is chili con carne spicy?

The heat level depends on the amount of cayenne pepper and chili powder you add. You can control the spiciness by adjusting these spices to your taste preference. Start with a small amount and add more gradually.

• Can I make chili con carne with ground turkey?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lean alternative to beef. It provides similar texture and absorbs the spices well. Just make sure to drain any excess fat and follow the same cooking process.

• How nutritious is chili con carne?

Chili con carne is protein-rich from the beef and beans. It contains essential nutrients like iron, fiber, and vitamins from the tomatoes and vegetables. It’s a balanced one-pot meal that offers good nutritional value.

• Do I need to soak the kidney beans?

If using canned kidney beans, you don’t need to soak them. If using dried beans, soak them overnight and pre-cook before adding to the chili to ensure they’re tender and fully cooked.

Chili Con Carne Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican classic chili con carne delivers bold, spicy comfort with tender beef and rich tomato-bean fusion. Robust flavors dance through each savory spoonful, inviting you to savor this soulful southwestern culinary adventure.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 3.5–4 pounds (1.6–1.8 kilograms) chuck roast, cubed

Dried Peppers:

• 4 guajillo peppers (or 1–1.5 tablespoons ground guajillo powder)
• 4 ancho peppers (or 1–1.5 tablespoons ground ancho powder)
• 2 jalapeno peppers, chopped

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon mexican oregano
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt to taste

Aromatics and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2–4 cups beef stock

Optional Ingredients:

• Worcestershire sauce
• Tomato sauce
• Chili or kidney beans
• Extra spicy chili powders

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Instructions

1. Hydrate dried Guajillo and Ancho peppers in steaming water until they become pliable and tender, then transform them into a velvety, seasoned puree using a blender.
2. Warm olive oil in a substantial cooking vessel, then methodically brown beef cubes, creating a rich caramelized exterior. Transfer meat to a separate plate.
3. Utilize the same pot to gently awaken aromatic ingredients – onions, garlic, and jalapenos – allowing them to soften and release their fragrant essence.
4. Reintroduce seared beef to the pot, incorporating the pepper sauce and a harmonious blend of spices: paprika, oregano, black pepper, brown sugar, cumin, and coriander. Thoroughly integrate all components.
5. Cascade beef stock into the mixture, creating a luxurious braising liquid. Reduce heat and allow the chili to gently simmer, transforming tough meat into meltingly tender morsels while developing deep, complex flavors.
6. After extended cooking, meticulously taste and calibrate seasoning, ensuring a perfect balance of salt and heat before presenting the robust chili.

Notes

• Choose fresh, vibrant dried Guajillo and Ancho peppers for a richer, more authentic chili sauce with deeper flavor complexity.
• Pat beef chunks dry before searing to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust that locks in maximum flavor and tenderness.
• Low and slow cooking allows tough chuck roast to break down gradually, creating melt-in-your-mouth meat texture with intense taste absorption.
• Swap beef for ground turkey or plant-based protein to accommodate different dietary preferences without sacrificing robust flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg