Chili con carne, often simply called “chili,” is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or feeding a crowd. Originating from the southwestern United States and Mexico, this comforting one-pot meal features tender meat, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices that create a rich, savory flavor. Making chili con carne at home is easy and allows you to customize the spice levels and ingredients to suit your tastes. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for a leaner option)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed (or black beans)
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
- 2 tbsp chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for added depth of flavor)
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
Optional toppings:
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Crumbled tortilla chips or cornbread
Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper (if using) to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
2. Brown the Meat:
- Push the vegetables to the side of the pot and add the ground beef. Break the meat apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Cook the beef for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Add the Spices:
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika (if using), oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if desired). Let the spices toast for about 1 minute, stirring to coat the meat and vegetables.
4. Add the Liquids:
- Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, and beef broth to the pot. Stir everything together, ensuring the tomato paste is well incorporated.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the chili simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.
5. Add the Beans:
- After the chili has thickened, stir in the kidney beans (or black beans). Let the chili simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to heat the beans through.
6. Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or chili powder depending on your flavor preferences. If you want more heat, add additional red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce.
7. Serve:
- Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños.
- Serve with cornbread, tortilla chips, or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.
Tips:
- Customize the meat: You can use ground beef, turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
- Spice it up: Adjust the chili powder and red pepper flakes to match your desired heat level.
- Beans or no beans: Traditional chili con carne often doesn’t include beans, but many people enjoy the added texture and flavor. Feel free to leave them out if you prefer a more authentic version.
Chili con carne is a versatile and filling dish that’s easy to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients and the perfect blend of spices, you can create a delicious, comforting meal that will warm you up on any chilly day. Whether you enjoy it spicy or mild, with or without beans, this classic dish is sure to become a family favorite.
