This Chili Con Carne recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices to create a comforting and satisfying meal. Perfect for a cold day, this chili can be enjoyed on its own or served with rice, cornbread, or tortilla chips. It’s easy to prepare and makes for excellent leftovers.
Appliances and Special Utensils
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula / spatula
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Can opener
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
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Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
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Cook the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using) to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
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Season the Meat: Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 2 minutes to toast the spices.
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Add the Tomatoes and Beans: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and black beans. Stir to combine.
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Add the Liquid: Pour in the beef broth or water. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
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Simmer: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For deeper flavor, let it simmer for up to an hour.
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Adjust Seasoning: Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your taste.
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Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious, homemade Chili Con Carne with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro.