Best Homemade Chilli Con Carne Recipe

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Chili con carne is a classic dish known for its bold flavors and hearty ingredients. A great chili con carne is not only about combining ingredients but also about layering flavors and achieving the perfect balance of heat and richness. Here’s a recipe to guide you in making the best homemade chili con carne.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef: For a flavorful chili, use a mix of lean and slightly fatty beef.
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 jalapeños, finely chopped (adjust based on your heat preference)
  • 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cups beef broth: Homemade or store-bought.
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or any cooking oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Chop the onions, bell peppers, and jalapeños. Mince the garlic and set aside.
  2. Brown the Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and jalapeños to the pot with the beef. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  4. Add Tomato and Spices: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Mix in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For a richer flavor, simmer for up to 2 hours, adding more beef broth if needed.
  6. Add Beans: About 10 minutes before serving, stir in the kidney beans and black beans. Continue to simmer until the beans are heated through.
  7. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or chili powder according to your taste.
  8. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your choice of toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro. Serve with cornbread or crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Tips for the Perfect Chili Con Carne

  • Use Quality Beef: The flavor of your chili largely depends on the quality of the beef. Opt for a mix of lean and fatty beef for the best texture and taste.
  • Layer Flavors: Browning the meat and caramelizing the tomato paste adds depth to the chili. Don’t skip these steps!
  • Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the amount of jalapeños or omit them. For more heat, add extra hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
  • Let It Rest: Chili often tastes better the next day, so consider making it ahead of time. It allows the flavors to meld and intensify.

Variations

  • Vegetarian Chili: Replace the beef with lentils, mushrooms, or extra beans for a vegetarian option.
  • Extra Smoky: Add a bit of chipotle pepper in adobo sauce or a few drops of liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.
  • Beans Choice: Feel free to experiment with different types of beans like pinto or navy beans.

Enjoy crafting your homemade chili con carne and savor the robust, comforting flavors of this classic dish!

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