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Bowl of hearty chili con carne with toppings like cheese, jalapeños, and cilantro

Chili con Carne: The Ultimate Guide to a Classic Tex-Mex Dish


  • Author: cheery
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Description

A classic Tex-Mex dish featuring rich, savory chili made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of bold spices, perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: chopped fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the Vegetables: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil, followed by the diced onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent.
  2. Brown the Beef: Push the vegetables to one side of the pan, and add the ground beef. Cook it until browned, breaking it up as you go. Season the beef with salt and pepper.
  3. Add the Spices and Tomatoes: Once the beef is browned, add in the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, and oregano. Stir well to ensure the beef and vegetables are coated evenly in the spices. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth, and stir to combine.
  4. Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the mixture looks too thick, you can add more beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
  5. Add the Beans: Add the kidney beans to the pot, and stir well. Let the chili cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the beans are heated through and the flavors have blended well.
  6. Serve: Serve the chili in bowls with optional garnishes like chopped fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy this comforting, flavorful dish with your favorite sides.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Dinner
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6-8
  • Calories: 450 per serving

Keywords: classic chili, Tex-Mex chili, beef chili recipe, spicy chili con carne, hearty chili stew, chili with beans