Homemade Chili Con Carne

You're going to love this classic Chili Con Carne recipe! This comforting chilli is full of tender ground beef, beans and just the right amount of spice. Dive into a bowl of comfort. Stovetop, Instant Pot and Slow Cooker methods given.

Everyone love a classic Chili Con Carne, right? Whether the family is sitting down to a bowl of chilli with a side of cornbread, or you bring a big pot of comfort to a potluck or cookout, this recipe will fit the bill.

Chili is perfect, so this recipe is a straight up, traditional, classic, failsafe chilli recipe. No unusual twists, no unusual ingredients.

It's just the perfect chili con carne that everyone will tuck right into.

Stretch your dollars without sacrificing flavor with this wallet-friendly chili recipe. You probably have most of these inexpensive ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator.

And, to make it even easier, we've provided the instructions for you to make this chili con carne on the stovetop, in an Instant Pot pressure cooker, or in your Crock Pot slow cooker.

Serve it up with a side salad and some cornbread or a side of Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients
• How to make Chili Con Carne
• Serving Suggestions
• Variations
• Substitutions
• Storing and Freezing
• More Beef Recipes
• Recipe Tips
• FAQs
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

Why You'll Love This Recipe

1. Satisfying Comfort Food: Nothing beats the comforting embrace of a warm bowl of chili on a chilly evening. It's the ultimate comfort food that warms both body and soul.
2. Perfect for Crowds: Hosting a gathering or game day party? Chili con Carne is your go-to dish. It's easy to make in large batches and can be customized to suit everyone's taste.
3. Affordable and Flavorful: This recipe proves that you don't need a long list of expensive ingredients to create a delicious meal. It's budget-friendly and packs a punch in the flavor department.
4. Endless Customization: Make it as mild or as spicy as you like. Customize your toppings to create a personalized chili experience.

Ingredients

You only need simple pantry ingredients for this recipe!

• Ground Beef: The star of the show, ground beef adds richness and meaty goodness to the chili. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Onion and Garlic: Onions bring a sweet and savory depth to the dish, while minced garlic adds a fragrant, aromatic note that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Bell Pepper: Choose your favorite color—red, yellow, or green—to add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to the chili.
• Tomato Puree: Tomato puree adds a rich tomato base to the chili, providing body and tanginess.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: These tomatoes, with their juices, create a chunky texture and add an extra layer of tomato flavor.
• Kidney Beans: Kidney beans are a classic choice, but you can use other beans like black beans or pinto beans if you prefer. They provide creaminess and fiber.
• Beef or Vegetable Broth: Broth adds liquid to the chili and infuses it with depth and savoriness. You can use either beef or vegetable broth, depending on your preference.
• Chili Powder: This spice blend is the heart and soul of chili. It provides that signature warmth and depth of flavor. Adjust the quantity to control the spiciness.
• Cumin: Ground cumin brings earthiness and a smoky quality that complements the chili powder perfectly.
• Paprika: Paprika lends a subtle smokiness and a dash of color to the dish.
• Dried Oregano: Dried oregano contributes a Mediterranean twist with its herbal and slightly citrusy notes.
• Cayenne Pepper: Add a pinch or more if you like it hot. Cayenne pepper brings the heat to your chili, so adjust according to your spice preference.

See the recipe card for quantities and method.

How to make Chili Con Carne

Follow these step-by-step instructions, then scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.

Stove Top Method

Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Add the chopped onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.

Add the bell pepper and minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Add the ground beef to the pot and break it apart with a spoon. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the tomato puree and canned diced tomatoes (with their juices). Stir to combine.

Pour in the beef or vegetable broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. You can let it simmer longer if you have the time, as this will deepen the flavors.

Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper if needed to suit your taste. Stir in the kidney beans and heat for a further 5 minutes.

Serve the chili hot in bowls, and top each serving with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, chopped green onions, sliced jalapeños, and fresh cilantro if desired.

Enjoy your homemade chili con carne with warm cornbread, tortilla chips, or rice.

This classic chili con carne recipe is perfect for warming up on a cold day or for a casual gathering with friends and family. Adjust the spiciness to your preference by adding more or less cayenne pepper. Enjoy!

Slow Cooker Method

1. Brown the ground beef and transfer it to the slow cooker.
2. Sauté onions, garlic, and bell pepper in a pan, then add them to the slow cooker.
3. Combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, tomato puree, and canned diced tomatoes in the slow cooker. Mix.
4. Pour in beef or vegetable broth.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Stir in the kidney beans and cook for a further 5 minutes.
7. Adjust seasoning to taste.
8. Serve with your favorite toppings.

Instant Pot Method

1. Brown the ground beef in the Instant Pot.
2. Sauté onions, garlic, and bell pepper in the Instant Pot.
3. Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, tomato puree, canned diced tomatoes to the Instant Pot. Mix.
4. Pour in beef or vegetable broth.
5. Pressure cook on high for 15-20 minutes.
6. Allow natural pressure release.
7. Stir in the kidney beans and allow to warm through. Adjust seasoning to taste.
8. Serve with your favorite toppings.

Scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.

Serving Suggestions

Once you've perfected your Classic Chili con Carne, it's time to elevate your dining experience with some tasty toppings and accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to consider:

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over your chili for a creamy and savory contrast.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a cool and tangy element to balance the heat of the chili.
• Chopped Green Onions: Fresh green onions provide a refreshing crunch and a mild onion flavor.
• Sliced Jalapeños: For those who crave extra heat, thinly sliced jalapeños are the way to go.
• Cilantro: A handful of fresh cilantro leaves adds a bright, herbaceous note to your chili.
• Cornbread: Serve your chili with a side of warm, buttery cornbread for the perfect pairing.

Variations

1. Vegetarian Chili: Skip the meat and use a variety of beans, mushrooms, and vegetables for a hearty vegetarian version.
2. White Chicken Chili: Replace beef with chicken and use white beans for a milder, creamy chili.
3. Texas-Style Chili: This no-bean chili is all about the meat and spices. It's pure, unadulterated chili goodness.
4. Slow Cooker or Instant Pot Chili: Want to set it and forget it? Check out the tips below for making chili in a slow cooker or Instant Pot.

Substitutions

• Ground Meat: Experiment with different ground meats like turkey, chicken, pork, or even plant-based alternatives for a unique twist.
• Beans: Feel free to swap out kidney beans for black beans, pinto beans, or any other legumes you love.
• Spices: If you're missing a spice, don't fret. Chili is forgiving, and you can adjust the spice blend to your liking.

Storing and Freezing

Chili con Carne is a dish that gets even better with time, making it a meal prep champion. Here's how to store it for maximum flavor:

• Refrigerator: Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Chili freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled chilli to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stove.

More Beef Recipes

Recipe Tips

1. Browning the Meat: Don't rush the process of browning the ground beef. This step is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors. Allow the beef to brown and develop a fond (brown bits) on the bottom of the pot.
2. Spice Adjustment: Taste your chili before serving and adjust the seasoning to your preference. If you like it spicier, add more cayenne pepper. If it needs more depth, a pinch of salt might do the trick.
3. Simmer for Flavor: While you can enjoy your chili in as little as 30 minutes, allowing it to simmer longer, preferably an hour or more, will intensify the flavors and tenderize the meat.
4. Customize Toppings: Set up a chili topping bar with an array of options so everyone can customize their bowl to their liking.

FAQs

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