Dive into the rich and savory depths of a Classic American Beef Chili Con Carne! This hearty, flavorful chili is perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy get-together with friends and family. Our easy-to-follow recipe ensures even beginner cooks can create a restaurant-quality chili that will leave everyone wanting more. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food – a true taste of American culinary heritage. This beef chili con carne recipe is packed with flavor and easy to customize to your liking.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Servings | 6-8 servings |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate): Calories: 350-400, Protein: 25-30g, Fat: 15-20g, Carbohydrates: 20-25g. Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef (80/20 blend) | 1.5 lbs |
| Onion, chopped | 1 large |
| Green Bell Pepper, chopped | 1 large |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
| Canned Diced Tomatoes (undrained) | 28 oz |
| Canned Kidney Beans (drained and rinsed) | 15 oz |
| Canned Pinto Beans (drained and rinsed) | 15 oz |
| Beef Broth | 16 oz |
| Chili Powder | 3 tablespoons |
| Cumin | 1 tablespoon |
| Oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Cayenne Pepper (optional) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon (or to taste) |
| Black Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste) |
| Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
Cooking Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the flavor base of your delicious beef chili con carne.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and enhance the flavor of your beef chili con carne.
- Add the canned diced tomatoes (undrained), kidney beans, pinto beans, and beef broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour and 30 minutes, or longer for a richer, deeper flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together in your amazing beef chili con carne.
- Taste the chili and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or chili powder depending on your preference. This is your chance to make your beef chili con carne truly your own!
- Before serving, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese. This adds a delicious creamy element to your beef chili con carne.
Serving Suggestions: This Classic American Beef Chili Con Carne is delicious served with a variety of toppings. Consider offering shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend), sour cream, chopped onions, cilantro, avocado, or tortilla chips. You can also serve it with cornbread, crusty bread, or rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Your beef chili con carne is versatile and adaptable to many different preferences.
Notes/Tips:
- For a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before simmering. This will release some of their starch and help thicken your beef chili con carne.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to your chili, such as diced carrots, celery, or corn. Experiment and find your favorite combination. Your beef chili con carne is as unique as you are!
- If you prefer a spicier chili, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can easily customize the spice level in your beef chili con carne.
- Leftover chili con carne tastes even better the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for longer storage. You can enjoy your beef chili con carne again and again.
- This recipe for beef chili con carne is incredibly adaptable; feel free to adjust it to your own taste preferences and the ingredients you have on hand. Enjoy the culinary journey!
Enjoy your delicious and comforting Classic American Beef Chili Con Carne! It’s a perfect dish for any occasion, and it’s sure to become a family favorite.
