Spicy Chili Con Carne (Print version)

Robust stew with beef, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of chili spices for rich, warming flavors.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 or lean)

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)

→ Canned & Pantry

07 - 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
08 - 2 (15 oz each) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
09 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
10 - 1 cup beef broth

→ Spices & Seasonings

11 - 2 tbsp chili powder
12 - 2 tsp ground cumin
13 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
14 - 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
15 - 1 tsp dried oregano
16 - 1.5 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
17 - 0.5 tsp black pepper

→ Optional Toppings

18 - Sour cream
19 - Shredded cheddar cheese
20 - Chopped cilantro
21 - Sliced green onions
22 - Diced avocado

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add diced onion, garlic, red and green bell peppers, and jalapeño if using. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add tomato paste and cook an additional minute, stirring thoroughly.
05 - Pour in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
06 - Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. For thicker consistency, simmer uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
08 - Serve hot with choice of optional toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheddar, cilantro, green onions, or avocado.

# Tips from the pros:

01 -
  • The spices bloom together in the pot, filling your whole kitchen with that incredible aroma that makes neighbors stop by
  • It actually tastes better after a day in the fridge, making it the ultimate make-ahead meal for busy weeks
02 -
  • Chili needs time to rest, so try to make it a few hours ahead or even the day before you plan to serve it
  • The spices will continue to develop as it sits, so what seems mild initially might be perfect tomorrow
03 -
  • Dark beer adds incredible depth if you replace half the broth with a stout or amber ale
  • A square of dark chocolate stirred in at the end enhances the richness without making it taste like dessert
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