Description
Hearty Mexican classic chili con carne brings bold spices and rich beef together in a soul-warming stew. Simmered slowly with kidney beans and robust seasonings, this dish promises comfort and satisfaction for hungry diners craving authentic southwestern flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
Aromatics and Vegetables:
- 2 medium onions, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 (14.5 ounces) cans diced tomatoes
Beans and Liquid:
- 1 (15 ounces) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups beef broth or 1 bottle of beer
Spices and Seasonings:
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Serving Options:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Corn chips or cornbread
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium-high temperature and thoroughly brown the ground beef, ensuring complete cooking and removing any excess rendered fat.
- Incorporate finely chopped onions and crushed garlic into the meat, sautéing until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Introduce tomato paste and aromatic spices including chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper, allowing the spices to develop their rich flavors for approximately 2 minutes.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and liquid component (beef broth or beer), mixing ingredients thoroughly to create a harmonious base.
- Elevate the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce heat to low, allowing the chili to gently simmer for 45 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent scorching and ensure even flavor distribution.
- Carefully evaluate the seasoning profile, making subtle adjustments to enhance the overall taste complexity.
- Present the chili piping hot, garnishing with sharp cheddar cheese, creamy sour cream, and freshly chopped green onions, accompanied by crisp corn chips or traditional cornbread for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
- Adjust the chili powder and cayenne pepper to control heat intensity, creating a personalized flavor profile that suits your taste preferences.
- Experiment with different beans like black beans or pinto beans for unique texture and nutritional diversity.
- The chili tastes even better the next day as flavors meld and intensify, making it perfect for meal prep and batch cooking.
- Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version, ensuring everyone can enjoy this hearty dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 363 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 760 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg