If you’re craving something truly comforting, rich, and full of bold flavors, I’ve got just the thing for you: my Authentic Chili Con Carne Recipe (Thick + Hearty!) Recipe. This isn’t your average chili — it’s packed with tender ground beef, a perfect blend of spices, and beans that make it both filling and nutritious. I absolutely love how this chili thickens up with a slow simmer, creating that irresistible, hearty texture that just feels like a warm hug on a plate. Stick around, because I’ll share all my best tips to make sure your chili turns out perfect every single time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Thick and Hearty Texture: Slow cooking helps develop that rich thickness you’re aiming for in an authentic chili.
- Balanced Spices: The chili powder used here is a spice blend, giving you depth of flavor without overwhelming heat.
- Simple, Easy Ingredients: You probably already have most of what you need in your pantry.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this recipe—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Authentic Chili Con Carne Recipe (Thick + Hearty!) Recipe brings together ingredients that really complement each other, creating layers of flavor. I always suggest using fresh aromatics like onions and garlic for that homemade touch, and don’t skimp on the chili powder — it’s the key to that signature taste.
- Olive oil: Use extra virgin for a subtle, fruity base to sauté your aromatics.
- Chopped onion: Cooking these low and slow brings out natural sweetness and balances the spicy kick.
- Garlic: Fresh is best here—mince it finely so it infuses through the chili.
- Jalapeño: Adds gentle heat; remove seeds if you prefer milder chili.
- Ground beef: I like using 80/20 for flavor but you can go leaner if you prefer.
- Kosher salt: Dividing the salt through the cooking stages layers the seasoning well.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground for the best aroma.
- Chili powder: A blend of spices, not just ground red chili, which adds complexity.
- Tomato paste: Don’t skip this—it thickens the chili and brings a hint of sweetness.
- Black beans: Canned makes it easy, but rinse well to reduce sodium.
- Kidney beans: Adds texture and pairs perfectly with black beans.
- Diced tomato: Adds a juicy tangy layer to your chili base.
- Water: Helps to develop the sauce and prevent it from drying out during simmering.
Variations
I love making this chili my own by switching up some ingredients or adding new ones. It’s a great base recipe that invites creativity, so feel free to experiment and find what your family loves best — you might discover a favorite twist just like I did!
- Smoky Chipotle: I once added chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and it gave the chili a beautiful smoky depth that my family still talks about.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace beef with diced mushrooms and add extra beans for a meatless yet hearty option.
- Extra Heat: If you like things spicy, stir in cayenne pepper or use hotter chilies instead of jalapeño.
- Slow Cooker: You can brown the beef first and then simmer everything in a slow cooker for 4-6 hours for hands-off cooking.
How to Make Authentic Chili Con Carne Recipe (Thick + Hearty!) Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics Low and Slow
Start by warming the olive oil over medium heat. Add your chopped onions and let them cook gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking mellow the onions and brings out their natural sweetness — it’s a huge flavor booster you don’t want to skip. When the onions turn golden, toss in the minced garlic and finely chopped jalapeño. Cook just another minute until everything smells fantastically fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Build Flavor
Add your ground beef right into the pot and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, black pepper, and most of your chili powder. Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks to get a fine, crumbly texture. Once the beef is no longer pink, stir in the tomato paste and keep stirring for 2 minutes — this step caramelizes the paste slightly and deepens the flavor.
Step 3: Simmer with Beans, Tomatoes, and Water
Now add your black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, the rest of the chili powder, remaining salt, and water. Give everything a good stir, bring it all to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and let the chili simmer gently for at least 30 minutes. The longer you simmer, the thicker and more flavorful your chili will become — I sometimes leave it for an hour if I have time.
Pro Tips for Making Authentic Chili Con Carne Recipe (Thick + Hearty!) Recipe
- Slow-Cooked Onions: Don’t rush the onions! Giving them time to caramelize builds a natural sweetness that balances the chili’s heat.
- Chili Powder Choice: I learned to always use a chili powder blend, not just ground red pepper, for a richer, milder flavor.
- Tomato Paste Magic: Stirring in tomato paste and cooking it briefly makes all the difference in depth and thickness.
- Don’t Over-Stir: Once simmering, stir gently and infrequently to prevent beans from breaking down too much.
How to Serve Authentic Chili Con Carne Recipe (Thick + Hearty!) Recipe
Garnishes
I always top my chili with freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream — the creaminess cools down the spice and adds a lovely contrast. Chopped fresh cilantro brings a burst of freshness, while sliced green onions add a little crunch. If you like heat, a few dashes of hot sauce or some pickled jalapeños on top never hurt!
Side Dishes
This chili pairs beautifully with warm cornbread — sweet or savory, it’s amazing for soaking up every last bit. I also love serving it with tortilla chips, steamed rice, or even a simple green salad to lighten things up.
Creative Ways to Present
For game day or casual dinner parties, I like serving this chili in mini bread bowls — it makes the meal feel extra special and cozy. Another fun idea is layering it over baked potatoes or even stuffing it into bell peppers for a colorful twist that impresses guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover chili in airtight containers in the refrigerator right after it cools to avoid sogginess. It keeps well for about 3 to 4 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers often taste even better than the first day.
Freezing
If you want to batch cook, this chili freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Label and freeze for up to 3 months — just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
When reheating, I like to gently warm it on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water if it’s thickened too much in the fridge. This method helps retain the chili’s texture and flavor without scorching it.
FAQs
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Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for this chili?
Yes! While the Authentic Chili Con Carne Recipe (Thick + Hearty!) Recipe traditionally uses ground beef for its rich flavor, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just keep in mind these meats release less fat, so you might want to add a bit more oil when sautéing the aromatics to keep the chili moist and flavorful.
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What makes chili ‘authentic’ in this recipe?
The authenticity here comes from building deep flavors through slow cooking onions, using a chili powder blend rather than just pure ground red pepper, and incorporating tomato paste for richness. Also, the balance of spices and beans gives this chili that classic thick and hearty texture true to traditional recipes.
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How can I make this chili less spicy?
If you prefer milder chili, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño before cooking, and reduce the chili powder slightly. Also, serve with cooling garnishes like sour cream and cheese to help balance the heat.
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Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the beef and sauté the onions, garlic, and jalapeño first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. It’s a great way to develop flavor without standing over the stove!
Final Thoughts
This Authentic Chili Con Carne Recipe (Thick + Hearty!) Recipe is one of those dishes that immediately feels like home. I love how the layers of slow-cooked onions, perfectly spiced beef, and hearty beans come together to create something so satisfying. Whenever I make it, my kitchen fills with the warm, inviting scents of chili powder and garlic — and my family never fails to ask for seconds. If you’re looking for a chili recipe that’s straightforward but feels deeply authentic and comforting, you really can’t go wrong here. Give it a try and let me know how your batch turns out — I’m betting this will become a favorite in your household, too!
Print
Authentic Chili Con Carne Recipe (Thick + Hearty!) Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Tex-Mex
Description
This Authentic Chili Con Carne is a thick, hearty, and spicy ground beef chili loaded with black and kidney beans. Slow-cooked on the stovetop with a blend of chili powder, tomato paste, and fresh vegetables, this recipe delivers a robust and comforting meal perfect for any chili lover.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups chopped onion
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
Main Protein and Seasoning
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 2-3 tsp kosher salt (divided use)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3/4 cup chili powder (blend of spices, not ground red chile)
- 156 mL tomato paste
Beans and Liquids
- 2 19-oz cans black beans
- 2 19-oz cans kidney beans
- 4 cups diced tomato
- 3 cups water
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add the chopped onions and cook until golden and soft, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and finely chopped jalapeño, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant to build the flavor base.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot. Season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Cook, breaking the meat apart with a spoon, until it is no longer pink inside.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes while stirring constantly, allowing it to darken slightly to deepen the chili flavor.
- Combine Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomato, remaining salt, and water. Stir everything together to combine evenly.
- Simmer Chili: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, or longer if desired, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to let flavors meld.
Notes
- This recipe yields a rich, thick, and spicy chili con carne with plenty of beans for texture and nutrition.
- Simmering longer than 30 minutes will deepen the flavors and produce an even heartier chili.
- Adjust salt and chili powder to taste depending on preferred spice level.
- Use a good quality chili powder blend for authentic flavor rather than plain ground red chile powder.
- Serve with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 579 kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 1694 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 20 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 81 mg
