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Chili Con Carne

Go-To Chili Con Carne

This Go-To Chili Con Carne recipe is a robust, flavorful, and comforting meal perfect for any occasion. It’s incredibly easy to make!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Cuisine Tex-Mex
Servings 8 servings
Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 lbs ground beef 80/20 lean preferred
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 oz
  • 1 can tomato sauce 15 oz
  • 2 cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed 15 oz
  • 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed 15 oz
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Optional Toppings

  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Diced avocado
  • Jalapeño slices
  • Corn chips or cornbread

Instructions
 

  • Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned on all sides. Drain off any excess grease and transfer the beef to a plate, leaving a small amount of fat in the pot.
  • Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Do not burn the garlic.
  • Add Spices: Return the browned beef to the pot. Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and enhance their flavor.
  • Combine Wet Ingredients: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Add Beans and Simmer: Stir in the drained and rinsed kidney beans and pinto beans. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the Chili Con Carne simmer for at least 1 hour, or preferably 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will develop and meld together.
  • Taste and Adjust: After simmering, taste the chili and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or a pinch more cayenne for extra heat. A touch of sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes if desired.
  • Serve Warm: Ladle the hot Chili Con Carne into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, or diced avocado. Enjoy with corn chips or warm cornbread.

Notes

  • Don't Skimp on Simmer Time: The longer your chili simmers on low heat, the deeper and more complex its flavors will become. Aim for at least 1 hour, but 2-3 hours is ideal.
  • Taste as You Go: Seasoning is personal. Taste your chili throughout the cooking process and adjust salt, heat, and other spices to your preference. A small amount of acidity (like a splash of apple cider vinegar) can also brighten flavors.
  • Brown the Beef Well: This step is crucial for developing rich, savory notes. Don't overcrowd the pot; cook the beef in batches if necessary to get a good sear.