Chilli Con Carne

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chilli Con Carne is the perfect combination of savory, spicy, and hearty flavors. The ground meat (usually beef or a mix of beef  is slow-cooked with a blend of aromatic spices, tomatoes, and beans to create a rich, thick sauce. The beans add texture, while the spices create depth and warmth, making this dish ideal for colder months. It’s easy to make, customizable to your heat preference, and great for meal prepping, as the flavors improve the next day.

Ingredients

For the Chilli Con Carne:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of ground beef

• 1 onion (diced)

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 bell pepper (diced)

• 1-2 fresh chili peppers (jalapeño or serrano, optional for extra heat)

• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes

• 1 (14 oz) can kidney beans (drained and rinsed)

• 1 (14 oz) can black beans (drained and rinsed)

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 cup beef broth (or water)

• 1 tablespoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (optional, for added brightness)

For Garnishing (Optional):

• Fresh cilantro (chopped)

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt

• Shredded cheese

• Sliced green onions

• Tortilla chips or cornbread (for serving)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the meat:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

2. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat.

2. Sauté the vegetables:

1. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, bell pepper, and fresh chili peppers (if using) to the pot with the cooked meat.

2. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

3. Add the seasonings:

1. Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to toast and release their flavors.

4. Add the liquids and beans:

1. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices), beef broth (or water), and stir to combine.

2. Add the kidney beans and black beans to the pot, and stir everything together.

5. Simmer the chilli:

1. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens and the flavors meld together. If the chilli gets too thick, add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

6. Adjust seasoning:

1. Taste the chilli and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and lime juice (optional) to brighten the flavors.

7. Serve:

1. Ladle the Chilli Con Carne into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, shredded cheese, or sliced green onions if desired.

2. Serve with tortilla chips, cornbread, or over rice for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 45 minutes

• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian version: Substitute the meat with extra beans (such as pinto beans, black beans, or lentils) or a plant-based meat alternative like textured vegetable protein (TVP) or crumbled tempeh.

• More heat: Increase the amount of chili powder, cayenne pepper, or add a hotter variety of fresh chili peppers (like habaneros) for a spicier dish.

• Sweet version: Add a tablespoon of brown sugar or a small amount of dark chocolate for a slightly sweet and complex flavor.

• Slow Cooker version: Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add beans and adjust seasoning before serving.

• Beef : For a richer flavor, use a mix of ground beef and , which adds a bit more fat and depth to the dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover Chilli Con Carne can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: This dish freezes well! Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

• Reheating: Reheat in a pot over low heat, adding a little water or broth to adjust the consistency. You can also microwave individual servings.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, Chilli Con Carne tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for longer storage.

2. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean substitute for ground beef. It will change the flavor slightly, but it still works perfectly in this recipe.

3. Can I use canned chili beans instead of kidney and black beans?

Yes, canned chili beans can be used in place of kidney and black beans. Be sure to rinse and drain them if you’re using beans with added seasonings or sauces to keep the flavors balanced.

4. How can I make the chili thicker?

If the chili is too thin, let it simmer for a bit longer to reduce and thicken. You can also mash some of the beans with a spoon to help thicken the sauce.

5. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, to increase the heat, add more cayenne pepper, chili powder, or fresh chopped chili peppers. You can also drizzle some hot sauce over the chili before serving.

6. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn to the chili for extra texture and flavor. Simply sauté them with the onions and garlic before adding the meat.

7. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Dice about 4-5 medium tomatoes and cook them down with the spices and broth, but keep in mind that canned tomatoes have a more concentrated flavor and texture.

8. How do I make this dish milder?

To make the chili milder, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and chili powder. You can also remove the seeds from the fresh chili peppers, which will reduce the heat.

9. Can I make this dish without beans?

Yes, you can make a meat-only version of Chilli Con Carne by simply omitting the beans. You can also add more vegetables or extra meat to compensate for the beans.

Conclusion

Chilli Con Carne is a rich, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its hearty blend of ground meat, beans, tomatoes, and spices, it’s a comforting, satisfying meal that’s easy to make and even better the next day. Whether you’re serving it with rice, cornbread, or tortilla chips, this dish is sure to please. You can customize the spice level and ingredients to suit your preferences, making it a versatile recipe that can be adjusted to your taste. Enjoy a bowl of Chilli Con Carne, and savor the warmth and richness of this classic dish!

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