Print

Chili Con Carne

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Chili Con Carne is a rich and hearty Tex-Mex dish made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a mix of bold spices. It’s a perfect comfort food for cozy nights or gatherings. Easy to make, full of flavor, and versatile in its variations, it’s an ideal choice for meal prepping and freezing. Serve it with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil for cooking

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, kidney beans, and black beans. Stir to combine.
  5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and reduce heat to low. Let it cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve hot with your choice of toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or cilantro.

Notes

  • Vegetarian Version: Replace ground beef with crumbled tempeh or lentils for a plant-based chili.
  • Spicy Chili: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add jalapeños for extra heat.
  • Toppings: Customize with shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, or crushed tortilla chips.

Storage/Reheating:

  • Storing: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.
  • Freezing: Cool and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding broth as needed.