Chili Con Carne

Chili Con Carne is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for warming up on a cold day. With its rich combination of ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices, this dish offers a comforting and satisfying meal. Whether you serve it on its own or with rice, cornbread, or tortilla chips, Chili Con Carne is a favorite among many.

Ingredients

For the Chili:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sliced green onions
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Crumbled tortilla chips

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Beef

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot with the beef.
2. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened.

Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Spices

1. Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
2. Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.

Step 4: Add the Beans

1. Add the kidney beans and black beans to the pot. Stir to mix everything together.

Step 5: Simmer the Chili

1. Bring the chili to a simmer over medium-low heat.
2. Cover and let it simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the chili gets too thick, you can add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

1. Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili powder if needed.

Step 7: Serve

1. Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, or crushed tortilla chips.

Tips for the Best Chili Con Carne

✔ Make it ahead: Chili always tastes better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
✔ Adjust the heat: If you like it spicier, increase the cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños.
✔ Use different beans: You can swap out the kidney beans and black beans for pinto beans or white beans if you prefer.
✔ For a smoky flavor, try adding a splash of liquid smoke or use chipotle chili powder instead of regular chili powder.
✔ Serve it with cornbread: Chili Con Carne pairs perfectly with cornbread for a satisfying, complete meal.

This Chili Con Carne is perfect for a cozy dinner with family or friends, and it can be customized to suit your tastes. The combination of savory beef, spicy seasonings, and hearty beans makes it a meal everyone will love!