Chili con carne is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a comforting meal on a chilly day. Packed with tender ground beef, hearty beans, and a blend of aromatic spices, this one-pot wonder is a celebration of bold flavors. Whether served over rice, with crusty bread, or topped with your favorite garnishes, chili con carne is a timeless classic that’s both satisfying and versatile. Let’s cook up this irresistible dish!
Preparation time ⏰:
Total Time: 1 hour
Number of Portions 🍽:
Serves 4
Ingredients:
For the Chili con carne:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 chopped sweet potato
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz/400g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish (optional):
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped fresh chive
- Sliced avocado
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 340 kcal
Protein: 28g
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on portion sizes and specific brands of ingredients used. Optionals are not included here.
Instructions:
Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Mix in the garlic and red bell pepper, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
Brown the Beef for chili con carne:
- Put the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it is browned. Drain any excess fat, if needed.
Build the Flavor:
- Add in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, kidney beans, chopped sweet potatoes and beef broth. Next the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and black pepper.
Simmer chili con carne:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors blend. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve chili con carne:
- Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro.
Serving Tip 💡:
Try chili con carne with warm cornbread, tortilla chips, or steamed rice for a complete meal. For a fun twist, use it as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos!
