Champion Chili a Hearty Homestyle Chili Con Carne
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a bowl of pure comfort? Honestly, who doesn’t? This chili con carne recipe is about to become your new best friend.
It's packed with rich, beefy flavor and just the right amount of warmth.
Brief Overview
Chili con carne (meaning "chili with meat") has Tex-Mex roots. It's a simple dish, perfect for a lazy Sunday. This recipe takes about 2- 3 hours total, and makes 6-8 servings.
Main Benefits
This ground beef chili is not only delicious, but also hearty. It's loaded with protein and fiber. Serve it at your next game night or family gathering.
Honestly? This recipe is special because it tastes like home.
Why This Chilli Con Carne Recipe is a Winner
Alright, let's dive in. This isn't some fancy chef's creation. This is real food, the kind that sticks to your ribs.
It's also something that you can make in a big pot! My inspiration for the Best Chili Con Carne came from my own craving.
I wanted comfort food chili on a chilly evening, and this recipe delivered.
This is a super easy chili recipe . Don't worry if you aren't a pro in the kitchen. You really can’t go wrong.
I promise! This Classic Chili Con Carne will become a family favorite. It is also a hearty, filling, and a crowd pleaser.
Get Ready to Cook!
Before you start, make sure you have everything you need. Gather your ingredients for this hearty chili con carne in pot .
Chopping veggies is easier if you prep ahead. Grab your olive oil, ground beef, onions, peppers, and all those lovely spices.
We're talking chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika. Trust me, this blend makes all the difference. Time to make some chili recipes !
Let's Talk Ingredients & Gear for Cracking Chili
Alright, mates. Let's chat about what you'll need to whip up a truly hearty chili con carne . Honestly, it's all about getting decent ingredients and not being afraid to experiment a bit.
You know? Cooking should be fun.
Main Ingredients Breakdown
So, for this classic chili con carne , you'll need:
- Ground beef: 2 lbs (900g) . Look for an 80/20 blend for flavour. Don't skimp here, it's a ground beef chili .
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons . Extra virgin is lush but standard is fine.
- Onion: 1 large (about 1 cup), chopped. Yellow onion works best.
- Bell peppers: 2 (1 red, 1 green), chopped (about 2 cups). Adds color and sweetness.
- Garlic: 3 cloves , minced. Fresh is best!
- Jalapeño (optional): 1 , seeded and minced. This is your Tex-Mex chili recipe kick, so adjust to taste.
- Crushed tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce/800g) can . A good brand makes all the difference, honestly.
- Tomato sauce: 1 (15 ounce/425g) can . For richness.
- Diced tomatoes: 1 (15 ounce/425g) can , undrained. Adds texture.
- Kidney beans: 1 (15 ounce/425g) can , drained and rinsed. A must for chili recipes !
- Black beans: 1 (15 ounce/425g) can , drained and rinsed. Adds depth of flavor.
- Beef broth: 1 cup . Low sodium is always a good shout.
Seasoning is Key: The Spice Rack Lowdown
Spices are what make chili con carne sing! Here's what you need:
- Chili powder: 2 tablespoons . This is the star!
- Cumin: 1 tablespoon . Earthy and warming.
- Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon . Adds a smoky depth.
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon . Essential for that Mediterranean twist.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): ½ teaspoon . For extra heat.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon . Adjust to your taste.
- Black pepper: ½ teaspoon . Freshly ground is always better.
- Bay leaf: 1 . Adds a subtle, aromatic note. Remember to remove it before serving!
If you're missing smoked paprika, a pinch of chipotle powder can do the trick. Or just use regular paprika and add a tiny drop of liquid smoke if you're feeling adventurous.
Essential Equipment: Keep it Simple
You don't need fancy kit for the best chili con carne .
- A Large Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot. This helps distribute the heat evenly.
- Wooden spoon or spatula. For stirring, obviously.
- Measuring cups and spoons. You know, for measuring.
- Can opener. Don't be caught short!
If you haven't got a Dutch oven, a large, heavy bottomed stockpot will do just fine. My nan always used her old cast iron pot, and her chili was legendary.
So, don't stress too much about the gear. Just get stuck in and enjoy the process of creating comfort food chili !
Cooking Up a Storm: Champion Chili Con Carne
Honestly, nothing beats a good bowl of comfort food chili , especially when the weather's turned a bit grim. I'm talking about a proper hearty chili con carne in pot , not some watery, flavourless excuse for a meal!
This classic chili con carne recipe is inspired by the Tex-Mex chili recipe I've tweaked over the years, making it a winner every time.
Ready to find the Best Chili Con Carne ? Let's dive in!
Prep Like a Pro
First things first, let's get our ducks in a row. You know? Get everything chopped and measured before you start.
It sounds boring, but honestly, it's a game changer. Chop your onion, peppers, mince the garlic, drain and rinse your kidney and black beans, and get your spices ready.
This is the essential mise en place ! Trust me; it will save you a headache later.
The Champion Chili Con Carne Recipe : step-by-step
This Easy chili recipe is simple to do. Here are the easy to follow steps to do:
- Brown that beef! Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add 2 lbs (900g) ground beef and brown it nicely. Drain off any excess fat. No one wants greasy chili, alright?
- Sauté those aromatics: Add your chopped onion and peppers. Cook until softened ( 5- 7 minutes ). Then, add your garlic and jalapeño (if you're feeling brave!). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Spice it up! Stir in all your spices (chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, pepper). Cook for just 1 minute to wake those spices up.
- Tomatoes and beans, oh my! Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and black beans. Give it a good stir.
- Simmer, simmer, simmer: Pour in your beef broth and add the bay leaf. Bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover it, and let it simmer for at least 2 hours , or even up to 3 hours . The longer, the better, honestly!
Pro Tips for the Best Ground Beef Chili
Low and slow cooking is key. Don't rush the process! The flavors will meld together beautifully, creating a rich, satisfying chili con carne .
Taste and adjust the seasoning as you go. Everyone's taste buds are different! Add more chili powder or cayenne if you like a bit more of a kick.
Avoid over stirring!
So there you have it my go-to chili recipes and champion chili con carne . Get cooking, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes for Your Champion Chili Con Carne
Alright, so you're about to embark on a Chili Con Carne adventure. Awesome! But before you dive in headfirst, let's chat about a few things.
These are like my little secrets to making sure your Hearty Chili Con Carne In Pot turns out absolutely banging.
Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Bowl
Presentation matters, right? Nobody wants a sloppy mess. Think about layering. I usually start with a generous scoop of my Best Chili Con Carne .
Then, a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of cheddar, and some fresh green onions. Bam! Insta worthy.
As for sides, Chili Recipes go perfectly with cornbread. Seriously, try it. Also, a crisp coleslaw cuts through the richness nicely.
A cold beer also never goes amiss. I once served this with a side of tortilla chips and guacamole, it was a winner.
Storage Tips: Keep That Chili Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Once cooled, transfer your Easy Chili Recipe to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge.
It'll happily keep for up to 3-4 days. Honestly, it tastes even better the next day after the flavours have had a chance to get to know each other.
Want to freeze it? Go for it! Just let it cool completely first. Then, portion it out into freezer safe bags or containers.
It can last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, gently warm it up on the stove, stirring occasionally.
Avoid microwaving if you can, it tends to dry it out.
Variations: Make It Your Own
This Classic Chili Con Carne recipe is pretty versatile. Feeling veggie? Swap out the ground beef for plant based mince or extra beans.
Want to spice things up? Add an extra jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper. For a milder flavor, use a sweeter pepper like a poblano instead of a jalapeño.
If you want to add a Tex-Mex chili recipe vibe, add some frozen corn kernels.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bowl
Okay, let's be real: this isn't exactly a salad. However, this Ground beef chili packs a protein punch and is full of fibre.
The beans are great for your gut, and the tomatoes are loaded with vitamins. Each serving will give you around 450-550 calories, 30-35 grams of protein, 25-35 grams of fat, and 30-40 grams of carbohydrates.
This Comfort food chili is just what you need on a chilly night. Now, go forth and conquer that Chili Con Carne ! I know you'll nail it.
Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make chili con carne ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, chili con carne is often even better the next day, like a good stew that's had time to mature. The flavors meld together beautifully overnight. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Just like leftovers after a Sunday roast, sometimes it's even better the second time around!
How do I store leftover chili con carne?
Storing chili con carne is a doddle. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. When freezing, leave a little space at the top of the container as the chili will expand.
Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. It's like saving a bit of sunshine for a rainy day!
My chili con carne is too spicy! How can I tone it down?
Oops, did you go a bit wild with the chili powder? Don't worry, it happens! You can temper the heat by adding a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt directly into your bowl. For the whole pot, stir in a tablespoon of sugar or honey to balance the spice.
You can also add a splash of vinegar or lime juice or even add a potato which will soak up the excess spice and then it can be removed. Think of it like adding milk to a too-strong cup of tea.
What are some good toppings for chili con carne?
The topping possibilities are endless! Think of it as your own personal Full English breakfast everyone has their favourite additions. Some classic choices include shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
You could also add some diced avocado, a squeeze of lime juice, a handful of crushed tortilla chips, or even a fried egg on top for extra richness. It's all about creating your perfect bite!
Can I make this chili con carne in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! A slow cooker is perfect for chili con carne, just like a good Sunday roast. Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables as instructed in the recipe, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
The low and slow cooking will result in incredibly tender beef and deeply developed flavors, it is a brilliant way to create the recipe.
What kind of beans are best for chili con carne?
While kidney beans are the classic choice, feel free to experiment! Like choosing your favourite biscuit to dunk in your tea, it's a personal preference. Black beans add a slightly sweeter flavor and a different texture, while pinto beans are a good substitute for kidney beans if you can't find them.
You can even use a combination of different beans for a more complex flavor profile, like a proper Ploughman's lunch with all the trimmings.
Champion Chili A Hearty Homestyle Chili Con Carn
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-35g |
| Fiber | 30-40g |
