Here’s a classic, hearty Chili Con Carne recipe that’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion:
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp oregano
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, tortilla chips
Instructions
- Brown the beef
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté vegetables
- Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the pot.
- Cook 5 minutes until softened.
- Add spices and liquids
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth. Mix well.
- Simmer
- Reduce heat to low and simmer 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens and flavors meld.
- Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve hot with your choice of toppings.
💡 Tips
- For deeper flavor, simmer longer (up to 2 hours) or use a slow cooker.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef.
- Add corn or chopped carrots for extra veggies.
- Chili often tastes better the next day as flavors meld.
If you want, I can also give a one-pot, quick 20-minute chili recipe that’s fast but still rich in flavor. Do you want me to do that?
