Chilli con Carne Recipe

Here’s a classic, flavorful Chili Con Carne recipe! This recipe is rich, hearty, and full of spices for that traditional Tex-Mex taste.

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Classic Chili Con Carne Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1–2 fresh red chilies, finely chopped (or 1 tsp chili powder for heat)
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup (240 ml) beef or vegetable broth
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tsp sugar (to balance the acidity, optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings and Garnishes

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Grated cheddar cheese
• Diced avocado
• Lime wedges

Instructions

1. Cook the Aromatics:
   • Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the red bell pepper, garlic, and chopped red chili (or chili powder), and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Brown the Beef:
   • Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat if needed.
3. Add the Spices:
   • Stir in the ground cumin, paprika, ground coriander, and oregano. Cook for 1–2 minutes to let the spices bloom and release their flavors.
4. Add Tomato Paste and Liquids:
   • Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for a minute before adding the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
5. Simmer:
   • Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the chili simmer gently for 30–45 minutes. Stir occasionally and add more broth if needed to keep it from drying out.
6. Add the Beans:
   • Add the kidney beans, and stir well. Let simmer for an additional 10–15 minutes. If the chili is too acidic, stir in 1 tsp of sugar to balance it.
7. Adjust Seasoning:
   • Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and chili powder to your liking.
8. Serve:
   • Ladle the chili into bowls and add toppings like sour cream, cheese, chopped cilantro, or avocado. Serve with rice, tortilla chips, or cornbread.

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Tips for the Best Chili Con Carne

• Slow Cooking: If you have time, let it simmer for longer—up to 1.5 hours for deeper flavors.
• Chili Flavor: Fresh chilies, powdered chili, or even a pinch of smoked paprika can add depth and a unique touch.