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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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Ingredients Equipment Method

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

Equipment

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

Method
 

  1. Sauté the Vegetables
  2. 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.
  3. Brown the Beef
  4. 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.
  5. Add the Spices
  6. 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.
  7. Add the Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth
  8. 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.
  9. Simmer the Chili
  10. 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.
  11. Adjust Seasoning
  12. Taste the chili and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices if desired.
  13. Serve
  14. Serve the chili hot, ladled into bowls, with your favorite toppings.