Description
This classic Chili Con Carne recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish made with tender beef, kidney beans, and a rich tomato sauce spiced with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Slow-cooked to perfection, this chili is ideal for a cozy dinner, game day, or any occasion where comfort food is a must. Serve it with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for an irresistible meal that's sure to please a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion, garlic, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, kidney beans, tomato paste, and sugar (if using). Stir to combine.
- Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens and the flavors meld.
- Stir in lime juice and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped onions.
Notes
- For a smokier flavor, consider adding a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.
- This chili pairs well with cornbread or over rice for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 820 mg