Description:
Chili con Carne is a hearty and flavorful Tex-Mex dish made with ground beef, beans, and a spicy blend of seasonings. This popular comfort food combines the richness of slow-cooked beef with a touch of heat from chili peppers, making it a satisfying and warming meal. Often served with rice, cornbread, or tortilla chips, Chili con Carne is perfect for family dinners or as a crowd-pleasing dish at parties. Follow this recipe to create a rich, savory chili that will become a staple in your kitchen.
Chili Con Carne Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz/410 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz/425 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz/425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (6 oz/170 g) tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp ground cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion, garlic, and bell peppers, and cook for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Brown the Meat
- Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 7-10 minutes.
3. Add the Tomatoes and Beans
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper (optional), salt, and black pepper.
4. Simmer the Chili
- Bring the chili to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add sugar if the chili is too acidic, and adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the chili hot with your choice of toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
- Pair with rice, cornbread, or tortilla chips for a complete meal.