Chili Con Carne Recipe

Chili con carne isn't just a dish; it's a culinary journey with roots deeper than most realize. You'll want to grab your apron and prepare for a flavor adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a legendary comfort meal. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe will guide you through creating a hearty chili that'll have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to unlock the secrets of a truly memorable chili?

Recipe Highlights

• Brown ground beef thoroughly in a large skillet, breaking it into small, uniform pieces to create a rich, flavorful base for the chili.
• Combine key ingredients like canned tomatoes, kidney beans, and aromatic spices such as cumin, creating a slow-simmered, deeply satisfying chili con carne.
• Season incrementally with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting to develop a balanced and complex flavor profile.
• Garnish with classic toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, sour cream, and jalapeños to enhance texture and taste.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers, refrigerating or freezing to preserve the dish's integrity and enjoy multiple meals from a single batch.

History

While chili con carne might seem like a quintessential American dish, its roots stretch back to the vibrant culinary traditions of Mexico.

You'll find its origins deeply connected to the chili-loving culture of San Antonio, Texas, where "chili queens" first sold their spicy stews in street markets during the late 19th century.

These entrepreneurial women crafted hearty meals using local ingredients like beef, dried chiles, and cumin, creating a culinary tradition that would soon spread across the Southwest.

Recipe

Chili con carne represents the ultimate comfort food, offering warmth and satisfaction in every hearty spoonful. This timeless dish combines rich ground beef, robust spices, and tender beans to create a deeply flavorful meal that satisfies hunger and warms the soul.

Originating in the American Southwest, chili con carne has evolved from a simple cowboy staple to a beloved national dish enjoyed by families across the country. Its versatility allows for countless variations, but the core elements remain consistent: high-quality ground beef, aromatic spices, and slow-simmered perfection.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups beef broth

Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.

Drain excess fat, leaving approximately 1 tablespoon in the pot. Add diced onions and garlic, cooking until onions are translucent and fragrant.

Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper, allowing the spices to bloom for 30-60 seconds.

Pour in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer the chili simmers, the more developed and rich the flavors will become.

Enhance your chili's depth by tasting and adjusting seasonings near the end of cooking. Consider garnishing with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños.

For best results, let the chili rest 10-15 minutes before serving, which allows flavors to meld and the texture to thicken. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and often taste even better the next day.

Cooking Steps

When making chili con carne, you'll want to start by thoroughly browning your ground beef in a large skillet, ensuring it develops a deep, caramelized color that'll add rich flavor to your dish.

Next, you'll add your canned tomatoes and kidney beans, then reduce the heat and let everything simmer, stirring occasionally to develop those complex, warming spices.

Don't forget to season generously with salt and pepper, and consider topping your finished chili with optional garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro to elevate the presentation and taste.

Step 1. Brown Beef Thoroughly

Fire up your skillet and get ready to transform that ground beef into a flavor-packed base for your chili con carne.

Select an 80/20 ground beef blend for optimal fat content and rich taste.

Heat your skillet to medium-high, ensuring it's hot before adding the meat.

Break the beef into small, uniform pieces as you cook, preventing large clumps from forming.

Look for these key visual cues:

• Beef changing from pink to brown
• No remaining pink centers
• Meat developing a slight crispy exterior
• Fat rendering and separating

Drain excess fat carefully, leaving just enough to maintain moisture.

Use a wooden spoon to continually break down beef into smaller, consistent pieces.

Cook until meat is completely browned, approximately 7-10 minutes.

This critical step builds the foundational flavor profile of your chili.

Step 2. Add Tomatoes, Beans

After browning the beef to perfection, you'll want to build layers of flavor by introducing canned tomatoes and kidney beans. Open a 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes and pour them directly into the pot, including their juices. This liquid will help create a rich, saucy base for your chili.

Next, drain and rinse one 15-ounce can of kidney beans, then add them to the mixture. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the tomatoes and beans are evenly distributed throughout the meat.

• Use no-salt-added tomatoes for better flavor control
• Choose dark red kidney beans for robust color
• Gently fold ingredients to prevent breaking beans

Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of chili powder over the mixture, creating a deep, warming undertone that'll elevate your dish's complexity.

Step 3. Simmer and Season Thoroughly

Because simmering is the crucial stage that transforms individual ingredients into a cohesive, flavor-packed dish, you'll want to pay close attention to your chili's cooking process.

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and develop depth. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and watch for a thick, bubbling consistency that signals perfect cooking.

Key seasoning tips:

• Taste and adjust salt levels midway through cooking
• Add extra chili powder for heat
• Consider incorporating:
• Cumin
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika

Monitor the liquid reduction carefully, ensuring your chili doesn't become too dry.

You're aiming for a rich, hearty texture that coats the back of a spoon. After 45-60 minutes, your chili will have transformed into a robust, intensely flavored meal that's sure to satisfy.

Step 4. Season With Salt, Pepper

With the chili simmering and flavors beginning to meld, you'll want to fine-tune the seasoning—specifically, your salt and pepper approach.

Start by adding kosher salt in small increments, tasting after each pinch. Aim for about 1-2 teaspoons total, depending on your pot's volume and personal preference.

Freshly ground black pepper becomes your flavor enhancer here:

• Grind directly into the pot
• Use approximately 1/2 to 1 teaspoon
• Add gradually, stirring between additions

Watch for visual and taste cues:

1. Salt should elevate existing flavors
2. Pepper should provide gentle warmth
3. Neither should overpower the chili's complex profile

Taste repeatedly, adjusting seasoning until the balance feels perfect.

Step 5. Garnish With Optional Toppings

Wondering how to transform your basic chili into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece? Consider topping your steaming bowl with classic garnishes that'll elevate flavor and texture.

Shredded cheddar cheese adds a creamy, sharp dimension, while chopped green onions provide a fresh, mild crunch. Dollop sour cream on top for a cool, tangy contrast against the chili's warmth.

Optional toppings include:

• Crispy tortilla strips
• Sliced jalapeños
• Fresh cilantro
• Diced avocado
• Crumbled queso fresco

Pro tip: Layer these garnishes strategically. Start with cheese so it slightly melts, then add sour cream, and finish with herbs and crispy elements.

Each spoonful will deliver a complex, multi-dimensional taste experience that'll impress dinner guests and satisfy your culinary creativity.

Final Thoughts

If you've followed these steps carefully, you'll discover that chili con carne isn't just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying dish.

Your homemade chili represents more than a recipe; it's a testament to your cooking skills and understanding of flavor development.

Consider these final recommendations:

• Taste and adjust seasonings before serving
• Let the chili rest to enhance flavor melding
• Experiment with different protein options
• Store leftovers properly for maximum enjoyment

The true magic of chili con carne lies in its adaptability.

You can personalize this classic recipe, adding your unique touch while respecting traditional techniques.

Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this dish promises warmth, comfort, and a delicious dining experience that celebrates simple, robust ingredients.