Homemade Chili con Carne

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 500g (1 lb) ground beef (substitute: ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based mince)

•  1 medium onion, finely chopped

•  2 garlic cloves, minced

•  1 large bell pepper, chopped

•  1 can (400g/14oz) chopped tomatoes (substitute: 3 fresh tomatoes, blended)

•  1 can (400g/14oz) red kidney beans, drained (substitute: black beans or pinto beans)

•  2 tbsp tomato paste

•  1 cup beef broth (substitute: vegetable broth or water)

Spices & Seasoning:

•  1 tsp cumin powder

•  1 tsp paprika

•  1 tsp chili powder (adjust for spice level)

•  ½ tsp black pepper

•  ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

•  ½ tsp oregano

•  ½ tsp sugar (balances acidity, optional)

For Serving (Optional):

•  Cooked rice or tortilla chips

•  Sour cream or yogurt (substitute: dairy-free yogurt)

•  Fresh cilantro

Before We Start

•  Use lean ground beef – Less fat, better texture.

•  Rinse canned beans – Removes excess sodium.

•  Simmer longer for better flavor – Chili tastes better when slow-cooked.

Instructions

Fry the Aromatics

Step 1: Take a large pot, place it over medium flame, add 1 tbsp oil, and heat it.
Step 2: Add onions and cook until soft for 3 minutes. Then add garlic and bell peppers, mix, and cook for 2 more minutes.

Brown the Meat

Step 3: Add ground meat (beef) and cook until the color changes to brown, about 4-7 minutes.
Step 4: Drain excess fat if needed.
 (Tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to remove the fat.)

Add Spices & Tomatoes

Step 5: Add cumin, paprika, chili powder, black pepper, and oregano. Stir it into the meat.
Step 6: Add tomato paste (by blending tomatoes) and chopped tomatoes as well. Mix it.

Simmer the Chili

Step 7: Add beef broth (just a limited amount) into the meat and bring it to a boil. Let it boil well.
Step 8: Cover and cook for 20-30 minutes.

Add Beans & Final Step

Step 9: Add kidney beans and cook for another 10 minutes.
Step 10: Adjust seasoning and add a little sugar for balance. Then, it’s good to go.

After it’s done, serve on a plate garnished with cilantro, along with rice or crusty bread.

Serve

Use bowls—clay or simple—and serve with side dishes in cast iron or any dish you prefer. Garnish the bowls with a swirl of sour cream or cilantro. Place roti with it and use a red or orange napkin or any tissue paper.

What Goes with Chili con Carne 

Thinking about serving is just as important as presentation and taste.

• Cornbread – Sweet, buttery

• Tortilla Chips & Guacamole – Crunchy

• Steamed Rice or Mexican Rice

• Garlic Bread or Toasted Baguette

Drinks Along with It:

• Iced Lemon Tea

• Classic Margarita

• Lemonade

• Milkshake

Recipes Related to Chili con Carne

How to make chili con carne without ground beef?

Without ground beef, replace it with shredded chicken, turkey, or plant-based lentils or mushrooms. Cook as usual with tomatoes and tomato paste.

How to make chili con carne less spicy?

Use less chili to make it less spicy. Reduce chili powder and cayenne, and add a bit of sugar, sour cream, or yogurt to balance the heat.

How to make chili con carne seasoning?

Make seasoning with paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix in a jar and keep it for use as needed.

How to make chili con carne thicker?

Simmer over medium flame for a longer time to reduce liquid. Add a little cornstarch or tomato paste. If you mash the beans, it also gets thicker, or add flour to thicken it.

How to make red chili con carne?

For red chili con carne, add red chili powder, tomato paste, and fresh red chilies to get a deep red color.

How to make cheese enchiladas with chili con carne?

Fill tortillas with cheese, roll them, place in a baking dish, pour chili con carne over, top with more cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.

Conclusion

Take a large pot over medium flame, add oil and onion, stir for 3 minutes, then add garlic and bell peppers, cooking for 2 more minutes. Add ground beef and cook until the color changes. If it has fat, tilt it with a spoon and remove the excess fat.

Add cumin, paprika, chili powder, black pepper, and oregano, giving a stir for a minute. Then, add tomato paste and chopped tomatoes, mix well, and add beef broth or simply water. Give a gentle boil, cover with a lid, and let it cook for 20-30 minutes.

After it's done, add kidney beans and cook for another 10 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Garnish with cilantro and serve along with rice or crusty bread.

For More Recipes, Check Out:

• Recipe of Seekh Kebab

• Recipe of Ramen Soup

• Traditional Chicken/Beef Biryani Recipe

• Tasty Churros Recipe

• Cook with Ease: Currywurst

• Homemade Ceviche

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