What Does Chili Con Carne Mean?
Chili con carne comes from Spanish words that mean “chili with meat.” It’s a popular dish that started in Texas and Mexico. The name tells you exactly what it is – a spicy stew made with chili peppers and meat.
This hearty dish combines tender meat, beans, and spices in a rich, warming sauce. The best part? It’s actually very easy to make at home, and you probably already have most ingredients in your kitchen.
How Do You Make Chili Con Carne?
Making chili con carne is simple and follows these basic steps:
- Brown the meat in a large pot
- Add vegetables like onions and peppers
- Mix in spices and cook for 1 minute
- Pour in tomatoes and liquid
- Simmer slowly for 1-2 hours
- Add beans in the last 30 minutes
- Season to taste and serve hot
The key is taking your time and letting everything cook together slowly. This creates deep, rich flavors that make chili con carne so delicious.
This recipe will show you how to make delicious chili con carne step by step. We’ll use simple ingredients and easy methods so anyone can cook this amazing dish. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or meal prep, this recipe always works perfectly.
What Are the 4 Main Ingredients in Chili Con Carne?
The 4 essential ingredients that make chili con carne are:
- Ground meat – Usually beef, but turkey works too
- Tomatoes – Fresh or canned, these create the base
- Beans – Kidney beans are most common
- Chili spices – Chili powder, cumin, and paprika
These four ingredients form the heart of any good chili con carne. Everything else is just extra flavor and texture.
What Are All the Ingredients of Chili Con Carne?
While the basic version only needs 4 ingredients, a full chili con carne recipe includes:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 large onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2 cans kidney beans
- 1 can black beans
- 2 cans diced tomatoes
- 1 can tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
For Serving:
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Green onions
- Fresh bread or rice
Choosing the Right Meat
Ground beef works best for this recipe. Choose beef that has some fat in it, like 80/20 or 85/15.
The fat adds flavor and keeps the meat moist. Very lean meat can become dry and tasteless.
If you want a healthier option, ground turkey works well too. Just add a little extra oil when cooking to prevent sticking.
Some people like to use chunks of beef instead of ground meat. This works great but takes longer to cook. Cut the meat into small pieces about the size of your thumb.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare All Ingredients
Start by getting everything ready. Chop your onion into small pieces.
Cut the garlic into tiny pieces or use a garlic press.
Remove seeds from the bell pepper and cut it into small squares.
Open all your cans and drain the beans.
Rinse the beans with cold water to remove extra salt. Measure out all your spices in small bowls so they’re ready to use.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
Heat a large, heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the meat is brown all over.
Don’t stir too much at first. Let the meat get nice and brown.
This creates more flavor. When the meat is cooked, use a spoon to remove extra fat, but leave about 2 tablespoons in the pot.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Add the chopped onion to the pot with the meat.
Cook for 5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and clear. Add the garlic and bell pepper.
Cook for another 3 minutes.
Stir everything together so the vegetables mix well with the meat. The onion should smell sweet and the pepper should start to get soft.
Step 4: Add Spices
Add all your spices to the pot.
Stir everything together and cook for 1 minute. This step is very important. Cooking the spices for a minute helps them smell better and taste stronger.
The mixture should smell amazing at this point. If it doesn’t smell good, you might need to add more spices.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Liquids
Add the tomato paste first and stir it in well.
Cook for 2 minutes. Then add the diced tomatoes and beef broth.
Stir everything together.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn the heat down to low. The chili should bubble gently, not boil hard.
Step 6: Slow Cooking Time
Cover the pot and let the chili cook slowly for 1 hour. Stir it every 15 minutes to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom.
After 1 hour, add the drained beans. Stir them in gently. Cook for another 30 minutes without the lid so the liquid can reduce and the chili gets thicker.
Step 7: Final Seasoning
Taste your chili and add more salt, pepper, or chili powder if needed. Every person likes different amounts of spice, so adjust it to your taste.
If the chili is too thick, add more broth. If it’s too thin, cook it longer without the lid to let more liquid cook away.
Temperature and Timing Tips
Keep the heat low during the long cooking time. High heat will make the bottom burn and the top stay watery. Low, gentle heat cooks everything evenly.
The total cooking time is about 2 hours. This might seem long, but most of it is just waiting while the chili cooks itself. You only need to stir it occasionally.
If you’re short on time, you can cook it for just 1 hour total, but longer cooking makes better flavor.
Making It Your Own
This basic recipe is very flexible. You can change it in many ways to suit your taste:
Heat Level
For mild chili, skip the cayenne pepper and use less chili powder. For hot chili, add more cayenne or some hot sauce.
Bean Choices
Use any beans you like. Pinto beans, navy beans, or chickpeas all work well. Some people don’t like beans at all and leave them out completely.
Vegetable Additions
Try adding corn, mushrooms, or diced carrots. Add these with the bell pepper so they have time to cook properly.
Meat Variations
Mix different meats like ground beef and ground pork. Or use leftover cooked meat cut into small pieces.
What to Serve with Chili Con Carne?
Chili con carne goes well with many different sides:
Classic Options:
- White rice – Soaks up the sauce perfectly
- Cornbread – Sweet bread that balances the spice
- Crusty bread rolls – Great for dipping
- Baked potato – Pour chili on top for a filling meal
Fresh Toppings:
- Sour cream to cool the heat
- Shredded cheese (cheddar works best)
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh avocado slices
- Lime wedges for extra flavor
Mexican Style:
- Tortilla chips for scooping
- Warm flour tortillas
- Mexican rice
- Corn salad on the side
Is Chili Con Carne Healthy?
Chili con carne can be very healthy when made right. Here’s why it’s good for you:
Health Benefits:
- High protein from meat and beans
- Lots of fiber from beans and vegetables
- Rich in vitamins from tomatoes and peppers
- Low in bad fats if you use lean meat
- Antioxidants from spices like cumin and paprika
Making It Healthier:
- Use lean ground beef or turkey
- Add extra vegetables like carrots and celery
- Use low-sodium broth and beans
- Skip high-fat toppings like cheese
- Serve with brown rice instead of white
One serving gives you protein, vegetables, and fiber all in one bowl. It’s much healthier than many fast food options and keeps you full longer.
Storage and Reheating
Chili con carne actually tastes better the next day. All the flavors have more time to mix together.
Storing in Fridge
Keep leftover chili in the fridge for up to 4 days. Put it in containers with tight lids.
Freezing
Chili freezes very well for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers and leave some space at the top for expansion.
Reheating
Heat chili slowly on the stove over low heat. Stir often to heat it evenly. Add a little water or broth if it gets too thick.
You can also reheat it in the microwave, but stir it every minute to prevent hot spots.
Common Problems and Solutions
Watery Chili
If your chili is too thin, cook it longer without the lid. The liquid will reduce and make it thicker.
Bland Taste
Add more salt first, then more spices. Sometimes chili needs more seasoning than you think.
Too Spicy
Add a spoonful of sugar or some sour cream to cool down the heat. You can also add more tomatoes or broth to dilute the spiciness.
Burnt Bottom
If the bottom starts to burn, turn the heat down immediately. Don’t scrape the burnt parts – just pour the chili into a clean pot.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because it follows proven cooking methods. Browning the meat first adds flavor. Cooking the spices releases their oils. Long, slow cooking makes everything tender and flavorful.
The ingredient amounts are balanced to create the right texture and taste. You get enough liquid to make it saucy but not soupy. The spices are strong enough to taste but not overpowering.
Making It Ahead
Chili is perfect for making ahead of time. You can make it completely up to 3 days before you need it. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
This makes it great for parties or busy weeknights. Do the cooking on the weekend, then just heat and serve during the week.
Final Tips for Perfect Chili
Remember these key points for the best chili con carne:
- Don’t rush the cooking time
- Taste and adjust seasonings at the end
- Use good quality spices for better flavor
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving
- Save some for tomorrow – it gets even better
Making chili con carne at home is easier than you might think. This recipe gives you a delicious, hearty meal that will warm you up and make everyone happy. The smell alone will have people asking for seconds before they even taste it.
Try this recipe on a weekend when you have time to let it cook slowly. Soon you’ll have your own perfect bowl of homemade chili con carne that tastes better than any restaurant version.
How to Make Chili Con Carne – Easy Home Recipe
Equipment
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven Garlic press
- Wooden spoon for stirring Ladle for serving
- Sharp knife for chopping Food processor (for chopping vegetables)
- Cutting board
- Can opener
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 large onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2 cans kidney beans
- 1 can black beans
- 2 cans diced tomatoes
- 1 can tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
For Serving:
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Green onions
- Fresh bread or rice
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prep ingredients (15 min) – Chop vegetables, open cans, measure spices
- Brown meat (8 min) – Cook ground beef until browned
- Add vegetables (8 min) – Cook onions, garlic, peppers until soft
- Add spices (1 min) – Stir in all seasonings
- Add liquids (5 min) – Pour in tomatoes and broth, bring to boil
- Simmer (1.5 hours) – Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally
- Add beans (30 min) – Stir in beans, continue cooking
- Season and serve (3 min) – Adjust taste, serve with toppings
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