Chili con Carne
A rich, simmering pot of classic Tex-Mex chili made with hearty ground beef, tender beans, and a perfect blend of smoky spices. This one-pot wonder is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for game day or a cozy night in.
For 6 servings
6 steps. 110 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Sauté Vegetables
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned, about 6-8 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Brown the Beef
- b.Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is browned all over, about 7-8 minutes.
- c.Carefully drain off the excess grease from the pot.
- d.Stir in the minced garlic and optional jalapeño. Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Bloom Spices and Tomato Paste
- b.Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir constantly for 1 minute to toast the spices and release their aroma.
- c.Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute, coating the meat and vegetables.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Simmer the Chili
- b.Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, and brown sugar. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- c.Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 90 minutes, stirring occasionally. A longer simmer (up to 2 hours) will result in a deeper flavor.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Add Beans and Thicken
- b.Stir in the drained and rinsed kidney beans.
- c.Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 15-20 minutes. This allows the chili to thicken slightly and the beans to heat through.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Serve
- b.Taste the chili and adjust seasoning with more salt or spices if needed.
- c.Ladle into bowls and serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or green onions.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the richest flavor, make the chili a day ahead. The flavors meld and deepen overnight in the refrigerator.
- 2Don't skip blooming the spices! Toasting them in the pot before adding liquids awakens their essential oils and makes the chili more aromatic.
- 3For a thicker chili, mash about half a cup of the beans with a fork and stir them back into the pot.
- 4This chili freezes exceptionally well. Cool completely and store in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- 5Feel free to use a mix of ground beef and ground pork, or for a more traditional texture, use cubed chuck roast instead of ground meat (you'll need to increase simmer time).
Adapt it for your goals.
Meat Variations
Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or cubed chuck roast for a different texture and flavor.
Bean VariationsBean Variations
Use pinto beans, black beans, or a combination of beans instead of just kidney beans.
Vegetarian ChiliVegetarian Chili
Omit the beef and use vegetable broth. Double the amount of beans and add 1-2 cups of other vegetables like corn, zucchini, or sweet potatoes.
Spicier ChiliSpicier Chili
For extra heat, add a minced habanero or chipotle pepper in adobo sauce along with the jalapeño.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The ground beef provides high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles, supporting immune function, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
High in Dietary Fiber
Kidney beans are packed with soluble and insoluble fiber, which aids in healthy digestion, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and can contribute to lowering cholesterol.
Rich in Iron
Beef is a fantastic source of heme iron, a type that is easily absorbed by the body. Iron is crucial for creating red blood cells that transport oxygen, helping to prevent anemia and maintain high energy levels.
Frequently asked questions
A 1.5 cup serving of this chili contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the fat content of the beef and any toppings you add.