Chilli Con Carne Recipe with Rich Spices and Hearty Beans

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Ruby Bennett
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Why You’ll Love This Chili Con Carne

This chili con carne recipe stands out for its ease of preparation, making it ideal for busy home cooks who want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Packed with lean protein from beef, fiber-rich beans, and nutrient-dense tomatoes, it supports heart health and digestive wellness. Plus, its adaptability lets you tweak it for different dietary needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy a hearty bowl. One of the best parts is that distinctive flavor from the spice mix, creating a deep, layered taste that’s far from ordinary. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this dish is perfect for turning simple ingredients into a memorable family dinner that brings people together. For anyone exploring chili recipes, you’ll find it offers that comforting warmth on chilly evenings.
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Essential Ingredients for Chili Con Carne

To make this chili con carne, gather all the ingredients and follow the precise measurements for the best results. Here’s a complete list based on the recipe:
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 onion, diced (brown, white, or yellow)
  • 1 red capsicum (bell pepper), diced
  • 500g (1 lb) beef mince or ground beef
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 800g (28 oz) can crushed tomato
  • 420g (14 oz) can red kidney beans, drained (or other beans)
  • 2 beef bouillon cubes, crumbled (or substitute with 2 cups beef broth)
  • 1 1/2 tsp sugar (any type)
  • 125 to 375 ml (1/2 to 1 1/2 cups) water
Don’t forget the Chili Spice Mix:
  • 1 to 2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 4 tsp paprika powder
  • 5 tsp cumin powder
  • 2 tsp garlic powder (or onion powder)
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp oregano
  • 1 1/2 tsp cooking salt or kosher salt
For serving, prepare these items:
  • Rice, corn chips, or tortillas
  • Sour cream or yoghurt
  • Grated cheese
  • Coriander or cilantro leaves
  • Optional toppings: sliced green onions, chopped red onions, diced avocado, fresh slices of jalapeño or other chili
These ingredients come together to create a flavorful and nutritious meal, perfect for any occasion.

How to Prepare the Perfect Chili Con Carne: Step-by-Step Guide

Start by preparing your ingredients, like chopping the onion, garlic, and bell pepper, to make cooking smooth and enjoyable. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the minced garlic and diced onion; cook for 1 minute before adding the diced capsicum and cooking for another 2 minutes until the onion Category is translucent. Next, increase the heat to high, add the 500g beef mince, and cook while breaking it up until it’s mostly browned. For more tips on using beef in recipes, check out our beef recipes section on the site. Stir in the chili spice mix and cook until the beef is browned all over, then add the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, drained beans, crumbled bouillon cubes, sugar, and water use 125 ml for quick cooking. Bring everything to a simmer; for quick cooking, simmer uncovered on medium-low heat for 20 to 40 minutes. If you prefer slow cooking, simmer covered on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, or use a slow cooker with an extra 60 ml water and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Finally, adjust salt to taste and serve over rice or with corn chips, topped with sour cream, grated cheese, and other favorites.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Chili Con Carne

Protein and main component alternatives include options like replacing ground beef with plant-based mince, lentils, or diced mushrooms for vegan choices. You can also use ground turkey for a leaner version or switch kidney beans with black beans or chickpeas based on what you have on hand. For vegetable, sauce, and seasoning modifications, try swapping the red bell pepper for something like poblano peppers or adding fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky twist. Adjust spices by including more cayenne if you like heat or using mild paprika to keep it family-friendly. These changes help tailor the dish to your needs while keeping that signature chili con carne flavor intact.

Mastering Chili Con Carne: Advanced Tips and Variations

Pro cooking techniques involve browning the meat in batches for a richer crust and deglazing with red wine or broth to boost depth. For flavor variations, experiment by adding dark chocolate or cinnamon to create unexpected layers, or use smoked paprika for a smoky kick. Presentation-wise, serve it in nice bowls with fresh herbs, sour cream, shredded cheese, and avocado to make it look as good as it tastes. If you’re planning ahead, prepare the chili a day early so thekowego flavors meld, or freeze portions for quick meals later. Remember, slow cooking not only tenderizes the beef but also enriches theoverall taste, making it even better the next day. Learn more about garlic’s health benefits to understand why it’s a key ingredient here.

Nutritional Breakdown

Here’s a quick table of the nutritional information per serving (assuming 5 servings, 280g chili without sides):
NutrientAmount
Calories367
Fat10.1g
Saturated Fat2.9g
Cholesterol90mg
Sodium443mg
Potassium1275mg
Carbohydrates30.5g
Fiber7.3g
Sugar7.2g
Protein39.6g
Vitamin A1550 IU
Vitamin C83.3 mg
Calcium10 mg
Iron22.3 mg
This shows why it’s a nutritious option for various diets. Plus, tips like using homemade chili powder ensure consistent flavor and help you control spiciness.

How to Store Chili Con Carne: Best Practices

Store your chili con carne in airtight containers and refrigerate it within two hours of cooking to keep it fresh for 3-4 days. For longer storage, let it cool completely before freezing in freezer-safe bags or containers, where it can last up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw it overnight in the fridge or use a microwave defrost setting, then heat thoroughly to at least 75°C (165°F) on the stovetop while stirring often. Consider dividing into portions before freezing to make meal prep easier and reduce waste. Following these steps keeps your chili tasty and safe for enjoying later.
Chili Con Carne

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Chili Con Carne

What is Chili Con Carne and where does it come from?

Chili Con Carne is a spicy stew made primarily from beef, chili peppers, tomatoes, and beans. Originating in Texas, USA, it combines Mexican and Texan flavors, often featuring a blend of spices that give it a bold, hearty taste. The dish resembles a thick, saucy ground beef mix and can be served with rice, bread, or tortilla chips.

What ingredients do I need to make a classic Chili Con Carne?

A basic Chili Con Carne recipe calls for ground beef, onions, garlic, tomatoes (paste and crushed), kidney beans, chili powder or homemade chili spice mix, bell peppers, and some liquid like broth or water. Additional seasonings often include cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. Fresh toppings such as sour cream, cheese, and cilantro are optional but popular.

How can I adjust the spiciness of my Chili Con Carne?

To control the heat, start with a small amount of cayenne pepper or chili powder—around 1 teaspoon—and increase gradually to suit your taste. Removing seeds from fresh chili peppers also reduces heat. For a milder version, consider using sweet paprika instead of hot chili powder or adding dairy toppings like sour cream to balance spiciness.

Can I make Chili Con Carne in a slow cooker, and how does it affect the flavor?

Yes, Chili Con Carne adapts well to slow cooking. After browning the meat and sautéing vegetables on the stove, transfer ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, using less liquid to avoid thinning. Slow cooking deepens the flavors and tenderizes the meat, creating a richer, more savory chili.

What are some popular ways to serve Chili Con Carne?

Chili Con Carne is versatile and can be served over steamed rice, with cornbread, or topped on baked potatoes. It’s also great for chili fries by pouring it over hot chips or as a filling for soft rolls known as Sloppy Joes. Common toppings include grated cheese, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, chopped onions, and fresh cilantro.
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Chili Con Carne

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🌶️ Experience the ultimate comfort food with this hearty chili con carne that delivers rich, complex spices and tender ground beef in every satisfying spoonful
🥘 Master the art of perfect chili with this foolproof recipe that brings together robust flavors and protein-packed beans for a meal that’s both nutritious and incredibly delicious

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings

Ingredients

– 1 tbsp olive oil

– 3 garlic cloves, minced

– 1 onion, diced (brown, white, or yellow)

– 1 red capsicum (bell pepper), diced

– 500g (1 lb) beef mince or ground beef

– 3 tbsp tomato paste

– 800g (28 oz) can crushed tomato

– 420g (14 oz) can red kidney beans, drained (or other beans)

– 2 beef bouillon cubes, crumbled (or substitute with 2 cups beef broth)

– 1 1/2 tsp sugar (any type)

– 125 to 375 ml (1/2 to 1 1/2 cups) water

– 1 to 2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

– 4 tsp paprika powder

– 5 tsp cumin powder

– 2 tsp garlic powder (or onion powder)

– 2 tsp onion powder

– 2 tsp oregano

– 1 1/2 tsp cooking salt or kosher salt

– Rice, corn chips, or tortillas

– Sour cream or yoghurt

– Grated cheese

– Coriander or cilantro leaves

– Optional toppings: sliced green onions, chopped red onions, diced avocado, fresh slices of jalapeño or other chili

Instructions

1-Start by preparing your ingredients, like chopping the onion, garlic, and bell pepper, to make cooking smooth and enjoyable.

2-Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the minced garlic and diced onion; cook for 1 minute before adding the diced capsicum and cooking for another 2 minutes until the onion Category is translucent.

3-Next, increase the heat to high, add the 500g beef mince, and cook while breaking it up until it’s mostly browned.

4-Stir in the chili spice mix and cook until the beef is browned all over, then add the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, drained beans, crumbled bouillon cubes, sugar, and water use 125 ml for quick cooking.

5-Bring everything to a simmer; for quick cooking, simmer uncovered on medium-low heat for 20 to 40 minutes.

6-If you prefer slow cooking, simmer covered on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, or use a slow cooker with an extra 60 ml water and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.

7-Finally, adjust salt to taste and serve over rice or with corn chips, topped with sour cream, grated cheese, and other favorites.

Last Step:

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Notes

🌶️ For consistent flavor, consider making your own chili powder mix as commercially available varieties can vary significantly in taste and heat level
⏰ Slow cooking for 1.5-2 hours tenderizes the beef and enriches the flavor profile – the chili often tastes even better the next day
🧊 This chili freezes beautifully and actually develops deeper flavors after being refrigerated overnight, making it perfect for meal prep

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-40 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop Cooking
  • Cuisine: Mexican/Tex-Mex
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 280g chili without sides
  • Calories: 367
  • Sugar: 7.2g
  • Sodium: 443mg
  • Fat: 10.1g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6.2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30.5g
  • Fiber: 7.3g
  • Protein: 39.6g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

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