Craving a bowl of rich, flavorful, and perfectly spiced Chili Con Carne? This award-winning recipe combines the perfect balance of savory ground beef, spicy chili peppers, tender beans, and a symphony of spices to create the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re competing in a chili cook-off or preparing a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to impress.
In this article, we’ll walk you through step-by-step directions, including cooking times, to ensure you create a delicious Chili Con Carne that’s rich in flavor and incredibly satisfying.
Total Time Breakdown
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Browning the Meat: 10-12 minutes
- Cooking Vegetables: 5-7 minutes
- Simmering: 45 minutes
- Adding Beans and Final Simmer: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
Before we get started, here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:
- 2 lbs ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 lb ground pork (optional, or substitute with extra beef)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional)
- Sour cream, for garnish
- Shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Step-by-Step Directions for Award-Winning Chili Con Carne
1. Prep the Ingredients (10 minutes)
Before you start cooking, prepare all the ingredients. Dice the onion, bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Drain and rinse the beans, and have all your spices measured out and ready to go.
Tip: Prepping everything in advance makes the cooking process more organized and efficient.
2. Brown the Meat (10-12 minutes)
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot:
- Add the ground beef and ground pork (if using). Break the meat apart with a spoon and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.
- Season the meat with salt and pepper as it cooks.
- Once browned, drain excess fat if necessary.
Tip: Browning the meat properly enhances the flavor of the chili.
3. Cook the Vegetables (5-7 minutes)
With the browned meat still in the pot:
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Stir well to combine.
- Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, or until they soften and become fragrant.
4. Add the Spices (2 minutes)
Now it’s time to add the key flavors of this award-winning chili:
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, cinnamon, and smoked paprika.
- Stir for 1-2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom and release their aroma.
Tip: Be careful not to burn the spices—this step deepens the flavors of your chili.
5. Add Tomatoes, Tomato Paste, and Broth (5 minutes)
Once the spices are mixed in:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, and beef broth.
- Mix thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.
6. Simmer the Chili (45 minutes)
Once the chili begins to simmer:
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
- Allow the chili to simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
During this time, the flavors will meld together, and the sauce will thicken.
Tip: If the chili becomes too thick, you can add a bit more broth or water to maintain the desired consistency.
7. Add Beans and Simmer Again (15-20 minutes)
After the initial simmering:
- Stir in the kidney beans and black beans.
- Allow the chili to simmer uncovered for another 15-20 minutes. This step will help thicken the chili further and allow the beans to absorb the flavors.
8. Taste and Adjust (2-3 minutes)
Before serving:
- Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning. If you prefer a sweeter taste, add 1/4 cup brown sugar. For a tangy kick, add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
- Add more salt, pepper, or cayenne if you like extra heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Award-Winning Chili Con Carne hot, with a variety of toppings. Popular garnishes include:
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions
- Tortilla chips or crackers
Pair it with cornbread, a simple green salad, or rice for a complete meal.
Tips for Making the Best Chili Con Carne
- Use High-Quality Meat: Using a mix of ground beef and ground pork gives your chili depth of flavor and a perfect balance of fat.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper. If you like it extra spicy, add more or incorporate chopped fresh chili peppers.
- Let It Sit: Chili tastes even better the next day! If possible, make the chili a day ahead and let it sit in the fridge overnight to allow the flavors to develop.
- Try Different Beans: This recipe uses kidney and black beans, but you can experiment with pinto beans or omit the beans entirely if you prefer a bean-free chili.
Storage and Reheating
Chili is one of those dishes that gets better with time. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
- In the Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- In the Freezer: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- To Reheat: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of water or broth if needed to thin out the consistency. You can also reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make Chili Con Carne in a slow cooker?
Yes! After browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Chili Con Carne recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as all ingredients (like the beef broth) are verified to be gluten-free.
3. Can I substitute the meat for a vegetarian option?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and double the beans or add vegetarian crumbles as a substitute.
This Award-Winning Chili Con Carne recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, delivering bold flavors and satisfying warmth in every bite. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a chili cook-off, the combination of rich beef, smoky spices, and tender beans makes this dish a guaranteed hit.
With this step-by-step guide and timed directions, you’ll be able to make this hearty, comforting chili with ease. Serve it with your favorite toppings, and don’t forget the cornbread for a complete meal that everyone will love!
