Chili con Carne
Hearty, flavorful, and packed with Tex-Mex flair
Chili con carne — literally “chili with meat” — is a dish inspired by Mexican flavors but proudly born in the American Southwest, most likely Texas. This bold and hearty stew combines ground meat with spices, chili, tomatoes, and beans for a deeply satisfying and comforting meal.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or casual gatherings, it’s quick to prepare and easy to love.
What Makes This Chili con Carne Recipe so Good?
This chili is all about layers of flavor built from simple ingredients. Browning the meat with onions, garlic, and fresh chili adds richness from the start. Canned tomatoes bring acidity, chili beans add heartiness, and the blend of spices — chili powder and cumin — gives it that signature warmth and depth.
It’s ready in under 40 minutes, making it a fast favorite for busy days, but it also gets better the longer it sits, making it great for leftovers.
Ingredient Breakdown: How Each One Works Its Magic
- Ground beef (or pork chop dough)
Provides savory richness and the meaty heart of the dish. Pork adds a slightly sweeter, softer touch. - Margarine or oil
Used for browning and building flavor from the start. - Onion and garlic
Create a deeply aromatic foundation. - Fresh red chili
Brings heat and brightness. Remove seeds if you want less spice. - Canned tomatoes
Provide acidity and body to balance the meat and beans. - Chili beans
Ready-to-use beans that add texture and subtle spice. Usually come in a seasoned sauce. - Red and green bell peppers
Add sweetness, color, and crunch to the stew. - Chili powder
The key spice for warmth and complexity. - Ground cumin
Brings an earthy, smoky undertone that enhances the other spices. - Salt
Essential for balancing all the flavors.
Make-Ahead Instructions
- Cook in advance: Chili con carne can be made up to 3 days ahead — the flavor improves over time.
- Freeze for later: Cool and freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Great for meal prep!
Storing and Reheating
Fridge
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing
- Freeze in individual or family-size portions. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
- Stovetop: Simmer gently over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
- Microwave: Reheat in short intervals, stirring in between.
Time and Yield
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20–30 minutes
- Total time: 20–40 minutes
- Yields: 4 servings
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the meat and aromatics:
Heat margarine or oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the margarine stops fizzing, add the ground beef in two batches for better browning. Add chopped onion, garlic, and red chili to the pot and cook until softened and fragrant. - Add tomatoes:
Pour in the canned tomatoes and stir. Let simmer for 3–4 minutes to allow the flavors to come together. - Add beans, peppers, and spices:
Stir in the chili beans, diced red and green bell peppers, chili powder, cumin, and salt. Simmer for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and the vegetables are just tender. - Serve:
Ladle into bowls and serve hot, optionally with a green salad, rice, or warm bread on the side.
Ingredients (with Measurements)
4 portions/servings
- 400 g ground beef or pork chop dough (about 14 oz)
- 2 tbsp margarine or oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 red chili, finely chopped
- 1 can canned tomatoes (about 14 oz)
- 1 can chili beans (about 14 oz)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp salt
Optional Variations
- Make it Vegetarian: Swap the meat for extra beans, lentils, or a plant-based ground alternative.
- Add Heat: Stir in cayenne pepper or chipotle powder for a spicier version.
- Serve With Toppings: Sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, or avocado make excellent finishing touches.
Nutritional Info
per portion/serving
Calories: 357 kcal Fat: 16 g Protein: 26 g Carbohydrates: 23 g
Chili con Carne
Chili con carne — literally “chili with meat” — is a dish inspired by Mexican flavors but proudly born in the American Southwest, most likely Texas. This bold and hearty stew combines ground meat with spices, chili, tomatoes, and beans for a deeply satisfying and comforting meal.Perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or casual gatherings, it’s quick to prepare and easy to love.
Ingredients
- 14 oz ground beef or pork chop dough (400 g)
- 2 tbsp margarine or oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 1 red chili finely chopped
- 1 can canned tomatoes about 14 oz
- 1 can chili beans about 14 oz
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Brown the meat and aromatics: Heat margarine or oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the margarine stops fizzing, add the ground beef in two batches for better browning. Add chopped onion, garlic, and red chili to the pot and cook until softened and fragrant.
- Add tomatoes: Pour in the canned tomatoes and stir. Let simmer for 3–4 minutes to allow the flavors to come together.
- Add beans, peppers, and spices: Stir in the chili beans, diced red and green bell peppers, chili powder, cumin, and salt. Simmer for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and the vegetables are just tender.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and serve hot, optionally with a green salad, rice, or warm bread on the side.