Hearty Texas-Style Chili: Proper Comfort Food

Right, let’s get down to it, shall we? ever found yourself craving a chili con carne recipe that's actually good? this one's a proper belter, full of flavour and just the ticket for a chilly evening.

Hearty Texas Style Chili: Proper Comfort Food

Honestly, this chili con carne recipe isn't just any old mexican food recipes . it's a texas style masterpiece. it simmers for hours until the beef practically melts in your mouth.

The recipe delivers a depth of flavour you won't believe. originating from the american southwest, chili con carne is all about slow cooked beef and bold spices.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty, requiring 2- 3 hours of simmering time. it yields about 6-8 servings. grab your dutch oven!

Why This Chili Rocks

It’s rammed with protein and fibre, so it’s actually alright for ya. this recipe is spot on for family meals , especially when everyone's feeling a bit rough.

What makes this chili special? the cheeky addition of dark chocolate. it gives it a richness that'll blow your socks off.

"chili is comfort. i don't think anyone can argue about that," said henry rollins.

Right Then, Let's Get Cooking

First, you'll need some decent chuck steak, about 2 lbs (900g), cut into cubes. next, you’ll need your aromatics, spices, some tinned tomatoes, beans and beef stock.

I like to add a good quality dark chocolate to add depth to the flavors, like my nan used to.

Don't forget your favourite garnishes for serving! for easy dinner recipes that taste this good, you really can't go wrong.

Time for some food inspiration !

Right then, let's talk about what you actually need to make this hearty texas style chili con carne recipe . honestly, it's simpler than you think, and you probably have half this stuff already.

We're diving into some proper mexican food recipes , so gather your bits and pieces. think of it as food inspiration hitting you right now.

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Arsenal

Main Ingredients for Chili Magic

Right, here's the shopping list, American and metric style.

• Chuck steak: 2 lbs (900g). Get a good one. Look for marbling, you know? That's flavour.
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons . Any old kind will do.
• Onion: 1 large , chopped (about 1.5 cups ). Brown ones, not the fancy red ones.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Jarred stuff is alright in a pinch, I suppose.
• Bell peppers: 1 green and 1 red , chopped. Adds a bit of sweetness.
• Chili powder: 2 tablespoons . Ancho chili is the real deal.
• Cumin: 1 tablespoon . Earthy goodness.
• Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon . Gives it that campfire vibe.
• Dried oregano: 1/2 teaspoon . A little goes a long way.
• Cayenne pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (or more to taste). Spice it up, buttercup!
• Salt and pepper: 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper. To taste, obviously.
• Crushed tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce/800g) can . Tinned is fine.
• Kidney beans: 1 (15 ounce/425g) can , drained and rinsed. Gets rid of the gunk.
• Beef broth: 1 cup . Low sodium is best.
• Dark chocolate: 1 ounce (28g) . Seriously! It adds depth.

This list will help you start doing your cooking and baking . Think of this chilli con carne recipe as the gateway to more easy dinner recipes .

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life

Chili powder , cumin , and smoked paprika ? that's the holy trinity of chili. honestly, you can’t go wrong.

For flavour enhancers, consider a bay leaf. just remember to fish it out before serving.

Quick sub? No smoked paprika? Regular paprika works, add a touch of liquid smoke.

These are some great dinner recipes that you can make for your family meals.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You only really need a Dutch oven or a heavy bottomed pot. Stops the bottom from catching, see?

Don't have a Dutch oven? A large saucepan will do. Just keep an eye on it, stir often. Other than that, cutting board, knife, measuring spoons, and a wooden spoon. Bang, sorted!

I remember once, i tried to make chili in a thin pot, and let me tell you, the bottom burnt so badly .

Honestly, the smell lingered for days. you know? so, a good pot is worth its weight in gold.

Remember, this Chili Con Carne Recipe is a great way to make easy dinner recipes.

Alright, let's get down to it! we're talking chili con carne recipes today. not just any chili. we're making a proper, hearty texas style chili: proper comfort food .

Honestly, this chilli con carne recipe is a game changer. forget that watery stuff, this is rich, smoky, and will warm you right up.

Trust me. it's one of my go-to easy dinner recipes , and the whole family loves it.

Prep Like a Pro: The Mise en Place

Mise en place sounds fancy, eh? it just means getting everything ready before you start. chop 2 lbs (900g) chuck steak into 1 inch cubes.

Dice 1 large onion , mince 2 cloves garlic , and chop 1 green and 1 red bell pepper . get your spices measured out too! ( 2 tablespoons chili powder , 1 tablespoon cumin , 1 teaspoon smoked paprika , 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano , 1/4 teaspoon cayenne , 1 teaspoon salt , 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ).

Open the tins of 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes and 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans , and get 1 cup beef broth ready.

Finally, chop 1 ounce dark chocolate ! oh my gosh! don't forget, sharp knives are your friends, but always point them away from you! organisation is key for stress free cooking and baking .

Chili Time: step-by-step Action

1. Sear that beef! Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium high heat. Brown the beef in batches. Visual Cue: Deep brown is what we want!
2. Sauté the good stuff. Add your chopped onion, garlic, and peppers. Cook for 5- 7 minutes , until softened. Visual Cue: Onions should be translucent.
3. Spice it up! Chuck in all those lovely spices and cook for just 1 minute . Stir constantly! Don't burn them!
4. Combine it all. Beef back in. Add your crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth.
5. Simmer down. Bring to a simmer, then turn the heat right down. Cover and cook for 2- 3 hours , stirring now and then. Low and slow is the magic!
6. Chocolate time! Add that chopped dark chocolate in the last 30 minutes . This adds depth, not sweetness.
7. Taste test. Season to taste. More salt? Pepper? Maybe a kick of cayenne?
8. Serve it up! Ladle into bowls and pile on your favorite toppings.

Pro Tips for Cracking Chili

• Don't overcrowd the pan! Sear your beef in batches. It browns better. Trust me.
• Good chili powder is worth it. Splurge on some proper ancho chili powder. It’s not just a dinner recipes hack; it’s a flavour bomb!
• Make it ahead! Honestly, chili tastes better the next day. Flavors meld! It's perfect for busy weeks and a great family meals option.

This chili recipe is inspired by amazing mexican food recipes . now, this recipe isn’t just about following instructions; it's about finding that perfect balance of flavors.

I always adjust the spices to my liking, sometimes adding a bit more smoked paprika for that extra depth. it’s amazing what you can discover with a little food inspiration .

Right then, let's talk about nailing this chili con carne recipe . i've tweaked it a few times, you know? i'm gonna share my wisdom.

Here are some extra notes to get you sorted. it will help make this proper comfort food.

Recipe Notes: Ace Your Chili

Want the best chilli con carne recipe ever? pay attention to the details! the best easy dinner recipes are the ones you adapt to your taste.

My family absolutely loves these family meals .

Plating Like a Pro & Perfect Pairings

Honestly, presentation matters. ladle the chili into bowls. top with a dollop of sour cream or greek yogurt. a sprinkle of shredded cheddar.

Some chopped green onions adds a pop of colour. fancy, eh?

Cornbread is a classic side. Coleslaw? That creamy coolness works wonders. Don’t forget a proper beer, like a lager, to wash it all down. Chef's Kiss!

Storing Your Liquid Gold

Got leftovers? lucky you! once cooled, bung that chili in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. it'll be good for 3-4 days, easy.

It actually tastes better the next day.

Freezing is a go! pop it in a freezer safe container, leave a bit of space at the top, and freeze.

It'll last for up to 3 months. thaw it overnight in the fridge. to reheat, gently simmer on the hob, stirring often, or microwave it until piping hot.

Easy peasy.

Mix It Up: Variations on a Theme

Fancy a veggie version? Swap the beef for crumbled tempeh or plant based mince. Sorted.

Watching the carbs? Ditch the kidney beans. Add extra veg instead. Some folks are adding sweet potatoes, just saying.

Nutrition Nitty Gritty

This chili is packed with protein from the beef and beans. it also contains fibre. it's important for gut health.

It's got vitamins and minerals from the veg. all that said, it's also got a decent amount of calories and sodium.

So, enjoy it in moderation, yeah? remember that cooking and baking offers infinite freedom to experiment to make these mexican food recipes healthier.

Inspiration for Your Chili Con Carne Recipes

Alright, that’s the lowdown. this is how you adapt the traditional to modern taste. you will make some amazing dinner recipes .

Don't be afraid to have a go. even if it's not perfect the first time, keep trying. trust me, this chili con carne recipe is worth it.

Now go on, get cooking! i am so excited to get your comments.