If you’re craving a rich, spicy, and comforting meal, Chili Con Carne is a fantastic choice. This beloved dish is a robust stew made with ground meat, beans, tomatoes, and bold spices. Perfect for chilly days, game nights, or casual family dinners, chili con carne is both filling and packed with flavor.
In this article, you’ll learn how to make chili con carne from scratch, explore variations, discover tips for perfecting the dish, and get ideas for serving and storing it.
What Is Chili Con Carne?
The name chili con carne means “chili with meat” in Spanish. This traditional Tex-Mex dish combines ground beef (or other meats), chili peppers, beans, tomatoes, and spices to create a thick, hearty stew. It’s often served with toppings like cheese, sour cream, and fresh herbs.
Why You’ll Love Chili Con Carne
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Rich, bold, and comforting flavor.
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Easy to customize with your preferred heat level.
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Makes great leftovers and freezes well.
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Nutritious and filling — packed with protein and fiber.
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Perfect for meal prep or large gatherings.
Ingredients List
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 large onion, finely chopped
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken/plant-based meat)
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1-2 jalapeño peppers, finely chopped (optional, adjust for heat)
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2 tablespoons chili powder
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1 tablespoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
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1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
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1 teaspoon black pepper
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1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
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1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce or 1 cup crushed tomatoes
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1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth)
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1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
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1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional, balances acidity)
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Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
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Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions (for serving)
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
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Servings: 6-8
Step-by-step Instructions for Chili Con Carne
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
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Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
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Add chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
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Add minced garlic and jalapeño peppers (if using), cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
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Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef.
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Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon, cook until fully browned and no pink remains.
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Drain excess fat if desired.
Step 3: Add the Spices
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Lower heat to medium and stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
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Cook the spices with the meat and aromatics for about 2 minutes to toast them and deepen the flavor.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Liquids
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Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth.
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Add brown sugar if you want to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
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Mix everything well.
Step 5: Simmer the Chili
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Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
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Cover and simmer the chili for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Step 6: Add the Beans
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After about 1 hour, stir in the drained and rinsed kidney beans and black beans.
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Continue simmering for another 15-20 minutes uncovered to thicken the chili.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust
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Taste the chili and adjust seasoning if needed — add more salt, spices, or heat as you prefer.
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If the chili is too thick, add a bit more broth or water.
How to Serve Chili Con Carne
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Ladle chili into bowls.
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Top with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro.
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Serve with warm cornbread, tortilla chips, or over steamed rice.
Tips for the Best Chili Con Carne
Use Quality Meat
Choose fresh ground beef with some fat content for flavor and moisture.
Don’t Rush the Simmering
Long simmering develops a richer flavor and better texture.
Toast Your Spices
Cooking spices with the meat releases essential oils, enhancing aroma.
Balance the Heat
Adjust chili powder, jalapeño, and cayenne to suit your spice preference.
Add Beans at the Right Time
Beans added too early can become mushy; adding them toward the end keeps their shape.
Variations to Try
Slow Cooker Chili
After browning the meat and sautéing aromatics, transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
White Chicken Chili
Use shredded chicken, white beans, and green chilies for a lighter version.
Vegetarian Chili
Skip the meat and add extra beans, lentils, or chopped mushrooms.
Chili with Beer
Add 1 cup of dark beer to the broth for deeper flavor.
How to Store and Reheat
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Cool chili completely before storing in airtight containers.
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Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
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Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding water or broth if it becomes too thick.
Side Dishes That Complement Chili
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Classic Cornbread
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Rice or Quinoa
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Tortilla Chips and Guacamole
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Grilled Vegetables
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Simple Green Salad
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: Approximately 350
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Protein: 30g
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Carbohydrates: 30g
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Fat: 12g
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Fiber: 9g
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Sodium: 650mg
FAQs
Can I make chili con carne ahead of time?
Yes, chili tastes even better the next day once flavors have melded.
Can I use canned beans without rinsing?
It’s best to rinse beans to reduce sodium and improve texture.
Is chili con carne gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free broth and taco seasoning.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace meat with beans, lentils, or mushrooms.
Conclusion
Chili con carne is a timeless, hearty dish that brings warmth and flavor to any table. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. With this step-by-step guide and tips, you can create a delicious pot of chili that’s rich in spices and perfectly balanced in flavor. Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy this classic comfort food anytime.