How to Make the Perfect Chili Con Carne
Tex-Mex · Medium · 60 min · 6 servings
A bold and smoky chili packed with ground beef, kidney beans, and a rich blend of chili spices. This warming pot of chili is ideal for game day or a cold evening.
Why this recipe works
This Chili Con Carne recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 60 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 420 calories with 32g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 9 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 whole large onion diced
- 3 whole garlic cloves minced
- 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 cans 15 oz kidney beans drained
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup beef broth
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Spices and Tomatoes
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika and cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices. Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and browned beef. Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Add Beans and Simmer
Stir in the drained kidney beans. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Taste and adjust salt and spice levels. Serve hot topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced green onions.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ground beef → ground turkey or plant-based ground meat
- kidney beans → black beans or pinto beans
- beef broth → chicken broth or water with a bouillon cube
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not blooming the spices in the pot which results in a flat and dull flavor
- Simmering on too high a heat which causes the chili to burn on the bottom
- Adding too much liquid which makes the chili thin and watery instead of thick
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 420 calories, 32g protein, 28g carbs, 18g fat, 8g fiber.
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