Get ready to transform your kitchen into a flavor explosion with the most mouthwatering chili con carne recipe that'll have your taste buds dancing! This isn't just another chili recipe - it's a culinary journey through the heart of Tex-Mex cuisine that promises to satisfy your deepest comfort food cravings. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this foolproof recipe will make you feel like a professional chef, delivering restaurant-quality goodness right to your dinner table in just over an hour.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Ensure you have 1 pound of ground beef, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 can of drained kidney beans, 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and salt and pepper for seasoning.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. The garlic should be fragrant and lightly golden.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat apart, stirring occasionally until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Once the beef is browned, add the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Next, add the drained kidney beans to the pot. Stir to mix everything together evenly.
- Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Stir well to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the chili.
- Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the chili to thicken.
- After the cooking time is complete, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or chili powder according to your preference.
- Once satisfied with the flavor, remove the pot from the heat. Let the chili sit for a few minutes before serving to allow it to cool slightly.
- Serve the chili con carne hot, garnished with your choice of toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro. Enjoy your hearty Tex-Mex dish!
Tips
- Choose high-quality ground beef with a bit of fat content (80/20 blend) for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Take your time when browning the meat - this step builds incredible depth of flavor.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider toasting your spices in the pot for 30-60 seconds before adding other ingredients.
- Let the chili simmer low and slow to allow the flavors to meld and develop a rich, complex taste.
- If you prefer a thicker chili, leave the lid off during the last 10 minutes of cooking to reduce and concentrate the sauce.
- Chili often tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance and reheat.
- Experiment with toppings like fresh jalapeños, avocado, or a squeeze of lime to personalize your dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 75mg
