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Chili Con Carne Recipe

This classic chili con carne recipe is packed with tender beef, savory beans, and a blend of spices. Perfectly comforting and full of flavor, it’s ideal for a cozy meal.
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Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Can opener

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 bell pepper red or green, diced
  • 1-2 jalapeño peppers seeded and diced (optional, for heat)
  • 1 lb 450g ground beef
  • 1 ½ tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
  • 1 15 oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 15 oz can black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup beef broth or water
  • 1 teaspoon sugar optional, to balance acidity

Instructions
 

  • Sauté the Vegetables
  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using) and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Brown the Beef
  • Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.
  • Add the Spices
  • Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to become fragrant.
  • Add the Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth
  • Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, drained beans, and beef broth. Stir everything together until well combined. Add a teaspoon of sugar if desired to balance the acidity.
  • Simmer the Chili
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The flavors will meld, and the chili will thicken as it cooks.
  • Adjust Seasoning
  • Taste the chili and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices if desired.
  • Serve
  • Serve the chili hot, ladled into bowls, with your favorite toppings.