Love making a huge batch of this and freezing for later! Quick and easy meal!.
Chili con carne is a popular dish made with ground beef, beans, and a blend of warming spices. This recipe creates a delicious and hearty chili that’s perfect for a cozy meal.
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Chili Con Carne: A Hearty and Flavorful Classic
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Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Large Onions (diced) | 2 |
| Garlic (minced) | 5 cloves |
| Ground Beef (preferably chuck) | 3 pounds |
| Tomato Paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Crushed Tomatoes (canned) | 1 (12-ounce) can |
| Beef Broth | 3 cups |
| Chili Powder | 3 tablespoons |
| Ground Cumin | 1 tablespoon |
| Smoked Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried Oregano | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cayenne Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to preference) |
| Kidney Beans (drained & rinsed) | 2 (15-ounce) cans |
| Pinto Beans (drained & rinsed) | 1 (15-ounce) can |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
Optional Garnishes:
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- Shredded Cheese
- Sour Cream
- Chopped Green Onions
- Fresh Cilantro
Instructions:
-
Sautéing the Base (5 minutes):
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the diced onions and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to release.
-
Browning the Beef (8-10 minutes):
- Increase the heat slightly and add the ground beef to the pot.
- Break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly on all sides.
- Continue cooking for 8-10 minutes, or until the beef is no longer pink.
-
Adding the Tomato Paste (2-3 minutes):
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. This step allows the tomato paste to caramelize slightly, adding depth of flavor to the chili.
-
Simmering the Base (1-2 hours):
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and the beef broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for 1-2 hours.
-
Spicing it Up:
- After simmering for an hour, add the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Stir everything well to distribute the spices evenly.
-
Adding the Beans (30 minutes):
- After another hour of simmering, or when the chili has reached your desired consistency, stir in the drained and rinsed kidney beans and pinto beans.
-
Final Touches (optional):
- Continue simmering the chili for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the beans to heat through and absorb the flavors.
- Season the chili with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Ladle the chili into bowls and serve hot. You can enjoy it plain or customize it with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro.
