Chili Con Carne
A hearty and comforting chili con carne recipe, perfect for weeknight dinners and easy to customize for your taste buds.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Oil For cooking the onions
- 1 large Onion, chopped You can use yellow or white onion
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced Adjust based on preference
- 1 pound Ground beef Could also use turkey or pork
- 1 can Canned tomatoes, diced Add more for a tomato-heavy chili
- 1 can Kidney beans, drained and rinsed Substitute with pinto or black beans if desired
- 2 tablespoons Chili powder Adjust to taste for spice level
- 1 teaspoon Cumin Adds depth to the flavor
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika Optional for a smoky flavor
- Salt and pepper To taste Season as needed
- ½ cup Water or beef broth Use if the chili looks dry
Optional/Add-In Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon Cocoa powder or dark chocolate To balance sharpness
- ¼ teaspoon Cayenne pepper For extra heat, adjust to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat and add the chopped onions. Cook until soft.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in the ground beef, cooking until browned, ensuring there are no pink spots.
- Pour in the canned tomatoes and drained beans. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.
- Season with salt and pepper, and add water or beef broth if the mixture seems too thick.
Cooking
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for at least 40 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If you want a thicker chili, remove the lid to allow it to reduce.
Notes
Chili can be made a day ahead for better flavor. It freezes well for up to 3 months. Adjust beans and spices according to your preference.