Hearty Chili Con Carne Recipe: A Flavorful Tex-Mex Classic

5 Min Read

Introduction:

Chili Con Carne, a beloved Tex-Mex dish, is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights in or gatherings with friends and family. Packed with bold flavors and hearty ingredients, this chili is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. In this article, we’ll share a delicious Chili Con Carne recipe that’s easy to make and guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out. Get ready to enjoy a bowlful of spicy goodness!

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños

Instructions:

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

  1. Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula.
  2. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Add Beans and Tomatoes

  1. Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste until well combined.
  2. Pour in the beef broth and stir to loosen any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Step 4: Season and Simmer

  1. Add the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper to the pot, stirring to evenly distribute the spices.
  2. Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your preference.
  2. Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños.
  3. Serve hot and enjoy with cornbread, tortilla chips, or crusty bread on the side.

Conclusion:

Chili Con Carne is a classic dish that never fails to satisfy. With its hearty combination of meat, beans, and spices, it’s a meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, this Chili Con Carne recipe is sure to hit the spot. So grab a spoon and dig in!

FAQs:

Q1: Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! After browning the meat and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Q2: Can I use different types of beans in this recipe?
Of course! Feel free to use any combination of beans you like, such as pinto beans, navy beans, or cannellini beans.

Q3: How can I make this chili vegetarian or vegan?
Simply omit the ground beef and use extra beans or textured vegetable protein (TVP) instead. Substitute vegetable broth for the beef broth to keep it vegetarian or vegan.

Q4: Can I freeze leftover chili?
Yes, Chili Con Carne freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q5: How spicy is this chili?
The level of spiciness can be adjusted to your taste by adding more or less chili powder and cayenne pepper. If you prefer a milder chili, you can omit the cayenne pepper altogether.

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