Easy Chili Con Carne Recipe recipes

classic beef chili chili carne everyday easy eats

Craving a warm and hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen? This easy Chili Con Carne recipe is your answer. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or game day, it’s packed with flavor and can be easily customized to your liking. The best part? It requires minimal ingredients and effort.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef (or turkey, or plant-based substitute)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 packet chili seasoning (or 2-3 tablespoons homemade chili powder)
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, cilantro, avocado

Instructions:

Brown the Meat: 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.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper (if using) to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans (if using), tomato sauce, chili seasoning, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Simmer: Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the chili and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add more chili powder for extra spice, or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.
Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, cilantro, and avocado.

Tips and Variations:

Spice it up: For a spicier chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño pepper.
Add more vegetables: Corn, zucchini, or carrots can be added for extra nutrients and flavor.
Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans.
Thicken it up: If the chili is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the chili during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Slow cooker option: Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables as directed. Then, transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Enjoy this comforting and flavorful chili. It’s sure to become a family favorite!