If there’s one dish that’s an absolute showstopper at potlucks or cozy family dinners, it’s Chili Con Carne. With its bold Tex-Mex flavors, hearty beans, and satisfying bites of ground beef, this classic recipe is the ultimate comfort food. The combination of smoky spices, tender vegetables, and a slow-simmered sauce makes each bowl taste even richer the next day—if you have any leftovers! Whether you’re new to making chili or have your own secret twist, this Chili Con Carne has a perfect balance of heat, depth, and richness that’s sure to win hearts and warm bellies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Chili Con Carne lies in its straightforward, honest ingredients—each one shaping the robust character of the dish. Don’t skip on the spices or those colorful veggies; every component is key for full-bodied flavor and the irresistible, cozy texture that makes this chili a family favorite.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a silky base and helps sauté your veggies to perfect tenderness.
- Onion, diced (1 large): Provides classic savory depth and a gentle sweetness that forms the backbone of every great chili.
- Red bell pepper, diced (1): Brings a pop of color and a subtly sweet, fresh crunch.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Offers a flavorful hit that wakes up the whole pot of chili—don’t skip it.
- Ground beef (2 pounds): The hearty, protein-packed star of Chili Con Carne for awesome texture and flavor.
- Chili powder (3 tablespoons): Delivers warmth and spice—the unmistakable Chili Con Carne signature.
- Ground cumin (1 tablespoon): Adds earthiness and that aromatic “Tex-Mex” personality.
- Smoked paprika (2 teaspoons): Gives a subtle smokiness that takes your chili to the next level.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Invites herby undertones to the party, rounding out the spices.
- Cayenne pepper (1/2 teaspoon, optional): A little fire for those who like it hot—or leave it out for a milder pot.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for bringing all the flavors forward and balancing the dish.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds extra vibrancy and a gentle peppery kick.
- Crushed tomatoes (1 28-ounce can): Creates a rich, velvety base that’s full of tang and body.
- Tomato sauce (1 15-ounce can): Smooths out the chunky tomatoes for a cohesive, silky chili.
- Beef broth (1 cup): Deepens the savory goodness and helps meld everything together.
- Kidney beans, drained and rinsed (2 15-ounce cans): Offer chunky texture, color, and a dose of healthy fiber.
- Black beans, drained and rinsed (1 15-ounce can): Lend creaminess and slightly nutty flavor to the mix.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Just a spoonful rounds out the acidity of the tomatoes for balance.
- Fresh cilantro: For a fresh, herby finish—perfect as a garnish.
- Shredded cheddar: Melts lusciously over hot chili, giving it a creamy, irresistible crown.
How to Make Chili Con Carne
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re softened and fragrant—about five minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and stir for another minute, just until everything smells incredible and the garlic is golden but not burnt.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef straight into the pot with the veggies. With a wooden spoon, break it up and let it cook until it’s no longer pink and nicely browned throughout. If there’s a lot of excess fat, go ahead and drain some off (but leave a little for flavor!). This step builds the savory, meaty base that makes Chili Con Carne so satisfying.
Step 3: Bloom the Spices
Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir so the beef and veggies are coated in the aromatic spice blend. Let them cook for about a minute to “bloom” the spices, which means unlocking all their flavor and adding a gorgeous color to your chili.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well, making sure to scrape up any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This is where your Chili Con Carne really comes together, as the flavors start to meld and the color deepens with every minute.
Step 5: Add Beans and Sweetness
Tip in the drained kidney beans and black beans, then add the brown sugar. The beans make the chili hearty and filling, while a small amount of brown sugar tames the tangy tomatoes and brings everything into balance.
Step 6: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let your Chili Con Carne simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring every so often to prevent sticking. This slow simmer is where the magic happens—the flavors deepen, the beans soak up all that goodness, and the sauce thickens beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed right before serving.
How to Serve Chili Con Carne
Garnishes
No bowl of Chili Con Carne is complete without a pile of fresh garnishes. A big handful of chopped cilantro, a generous sprinkling of shredded cheddar cheese, and perhaps a few slices of jalapeño or dollops of sour cream—all of these add vibrant color, flavor, and creamy contrast to the rich chili.
Side Dishes
Chili Con Carne is made for pairing: serve it over fluffy white rice, next to a warm slab of cornbread, or with a mountain of crunchy tortilla chips for scooping. Need more ideas? Try a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for balance, or even baked potatoes as a hearty base underneath your steaming chili.
Creative Ways to Present
Chili Con Carne is just as fun to get creative with. Spoon it atop loaded fries, use it as a taco or burrito filling, or whisk leftovers into a cheesy chili mac. For parties, try serving in individual mugs or mini bread bowls so everyone gets their own cozy portion—with toppings on the side for a build-your-own chili bar!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chili Con Carne nearly begs for leftovers—somehow, it only gets better after a night in the fridge. Store cooled chili in an airtight container for up to four days. The flavors deepen over time, making those next-day lunches or dinners something to look forward to.
Freezing
If you made a big batch (and I always do), Chili Con Carne freezes beautifully. Cool it down, portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to three months. Just be sure to leave a little space at the top for expansion. It thaws quickly and tastes just as fabulous reheated.
Reheating
To reheat Chili Con Carne, simply warm it gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring now and then until steaming hot throughout. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s thickened up. For speedy single servings, pop it in the microwave, covered, stirring halfway through heating.
FAQs
Can I make Chili Con Carne with a different type Main Course, Soup
Absolutely! You can swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute for a lighter or vegetarian twist. The spice blend and simmering technique will still deliver those classic Chili Con Carne flavors.
Is it okay to leave out the beans?
Definitely—some chili traditionalists skip the beans altogether. Just add a little extra beef or veggies if you want a heartier texture, or mix in pinto beans for a different flavor.
How can I make my Chili Con Carne spicier?
For extra heat, toss in more cayenne pepper, fresh jalapeños, or even a dash of hot sauce to taste. Adjust gradually so you don’t overpower the other flavors—and remember, you can always add more spice at the table!
What’s the best way to thicken Chili Con Carne if it’s too soupy?
If your chili is a bit runny, let it simmer uncovered for the last 15 minutes to reduce and thicken. Another trick: mash some of the beans directly into the pot—they’ll naturally thicken the mixture.
Can I make Chili Con Carne in advance?
Absolutely—Chili Con Carne is perfect for making ahead because the flavors only get richer after sitting overnight. Prepare as directed, let cool, and refrigerate. Just reheat gently when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something deeply comforting and full of bold, lively flavors, this Chili Con Carne is the answer. Give it a try, play with your toppings, and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes your new signature dish. There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl shared with friends or family—so gather your loved ones and dig in!
Print
Chili Con Carne Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Warm up with a hearty bowl of homemade Chili Con Carne, a classic beef chili loaded with beans and bold Tex-Mex flavors. Perfect for a cozy night in or feeding a crowd, this dish is comfort food at its best.
Ingredients
Base:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Seasonings:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Liquid & Beans:
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 (15-ounce) cans kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro
- Shredded cheddar
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté onion and bell pepper until softened. Add garlic.
- Cook the Beef: Brown ground beef in the pot. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Season the Chili: Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook briefly.
- Add Ingredients: Pour in tomatoes, sauce, broth, beans, and sugar. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Adjust & Serve: Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve hot with garnishes.
Notes
- Chili flavors enhance with time. Use pinto beans or jalapeños for variation. Enjoy with cornbread or rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course, Soup
- Method: Stovetop, Simmering
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 940 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
