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
Scale
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
