Chili Con Carne Recipe

Chili Con Carne is one of my favorite comfort foods, and it’s a dish that is perfect to serve in the middle of winter. It’s hearty, full of flavor, and easy to make, whether you’re cooking it on the stove or finishing it in a slow cooker.

The name “Chili Con Carne” translates to “chili with meat” in Spanish. Where I live we simply call it Chili, but it is basically the same recipe. This version combines lean ground beef, a blend of spices, and just the right amount of heat for a meal that’s perfect any time of year.

However, chili can refer to a variety of dishes that include chili peppers and seasonings, like vegetarian chili or white chicken chili. Chili Con Carne, however, is specifically a meat-based chili, often made with ground beef or diced meat, along with beans, tomatoes, and spices.

It’s a classic dish that’s been adapted and loved by people all over the world. Although it is very different from Authentic Texas Chili where there are no beans, tomatoes, or ground beef in the chili.

But what I love most about making Chili Con Carne is how versatile it is. You can adjust the heat level, use your favorite toppings, and serve it in so many ways. Plus, it’s a great dish to make ahead of time because the flavors only get better as it sits.

Ingredients For Chili Con Carne

• Ground beef: Lean ground beef works best to avoid excess grease. If you use regular ground beef, be sure to drain it after browning.
• Vegetables: Diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic add flavor and texture.
• Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes and tomato paste create a rich, hearty base.
• Beans: Chili beans are used here, and they’re left undrained for extra flavor and thickness.
• Beef broth: This thins out the chili to the perfect consistency and adds more beefy flavor to the chili.
• Chili seasoning: A homemade mix of paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper gives the chili its signature flavor. Be sure to adjust the heat level to your preference.
• Sugar: A little sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes.

Serving Suggestions

Chili Con Carne is incredibly versatile when it comes to how to serve it. Here are some ideas:

• In a bowl: Serve it straight up in a bowl with a side of cornbread or crackers.
• Over rice: Spoon it over white or brown rice for a filling meal that is popular in Hawaii: See Hawaii Chili and Rice Recipe.
• With tortilla chips: Use it as a dip with tortilla chips, or make nachos by layering chips, chili, and cheese.
• In a baked potato: Hollow out a baked potato and then fill it with chili for a delicious meal.
• As a topping: Use it to top hot dogs or burgers for a chili-style twist.

Popular Toppings

Chili Con Carne is even better when you add some toppings. Here are some ideas that make this dish even better:

• Cheese: Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.
• Sour cream: Adds a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy chili.
• Green onions: Chopped green onions add freshness and a bit of crunch.
• Cilantro: If you enjoy the flavor of fresh herbs, sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top.
• Jalapeños: Fresh or pickled jalapeño slices for extra heat.
• Avocado: Diced avocado or guacamole for a creamy topping.

Chili Con Carne Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lb. ground beef, lean
• 3 tbsp. tomato paste
• 28 oz. can crushed tomato
• 14 oz can red kidney chili beans, undrained
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 1/2 tsp sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Chili Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon paprika powder
• 1 1/2 tablespoon cumin powder
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp. cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare the Chili Con Carne seasoning:

• In a small bowl, combine the chili seasoning ingredients: paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper, then set the seasoning aside.

2. Cook the vegetables and meat:

• Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking for about 4 minutes until they soften. Then add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
• Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. If you’re not using lean ground beef, drain any excess grease before continuing.

3. Add the seasonings and tomato paste:

• Stir the chili seasoning mixture into the beef being sure to stir and coat it evenly. Then add the tomato paste and stir to combine.

4. Simmer the chili:

• Stir in the crushed tomatoes, undrained chili beans, beef broth, and sugar. Then season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the chili to a simmer and let it cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Adjust the seasoning:

• Taste the chili and adjust the salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Slow Cooker Option

If you’d like to finish this Chili Con Carne in a slow cooker, it’s easy to do.

1. Follow the steps to cook the vegetables, brown the beef, and then add the seasonings and tomato paste on the stovetop.
2. Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker and then add the crushed tomatoes, chili beans, beef broth, and sugar.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally if possible.
4. Adjust the seasoning before serving.

The slow cooker method is great for busy days or when you want to make the chili ahead of time. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld together even more.

This Chili Con Carne recipe has the perfect blend of spices to give a robust flavor. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or game day, it’s a dish that’s always a hit.

The option to finish it in a slow cooker makes it even more flexible, and the serving ideas and toppings let everyone customize their bowl just the way they like it.

Give this recipe a try and see why Chili Con Carne is a classic dish that never goes out of style.

Enjoy! Mary

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