Chili Con Carne

Chili Con Carne is a comforting, hearty meal that satisfies every appetite – perfect for those cooler months.

I personally love to double this filling chili con carne recipe and then freeze extras for an easy weekday meal – just heat and serve!

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Why You’ll Love This Chili Con Carne Recipe

This Hearty Beef and Bean Chili is a flavorful, comforting meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings.

• Rich and Savory: Tender beef, kidney beans and savory marinara create a robust base.
• A Flavorful Kick: Chili powder and cumin add warmth and depth without overpowering the dish.
• Vegetable Boost: Onion, garlic, green pepper, celery and corn make each bite hearty and wholesome.
• Easy Garnishes: Sour cream and lime wedges add creamy and zesty contrast to the chili.

Serve this chili hot for a satisfying, protein-packed dish that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

A special thanks to Newmans Own for this recipe. Learn more about their charity and commitment.

What is Chili Con Carne?

Chili Con Carne, which translates to “chili with meat,” is a spicy and hearty stew made with beef, chili peppers, beans and a variety of other ingredients.

It is a beloved dish in the southwestern United States and is often enjoyed during the cooler months.

There are many variations of chili con carne, with different levels of heat and spice, and it is often served with toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream and chopped onions.

Whether you like it mild or fiery hot, chili con carne is a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for a cozy night in or for feeding a crowd at a party.

What Goes with Chili Con Carne

This classic Chili Con Carne is rich, hearty, and full of bold flavors, and pairs wonderfully with sides that complement its savory, slightly spicy profile.

• Cornbread or jalapeño cornbread: Adds a slightly sweet, tender texture that balances the spicy chili.
• Rice or Mexican rice: Provides a neutral base to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Tortilla chips or cheese quesadillas: Perfect for scooping and adding a crunchy contrast.
• Simple green salad with avocado and lime: Offers a fresh, cooling counterpoint to the warmth of the chili.
• Roasted or grilled vegetables: Adds an earthy note that complements the beans and beef.

Pairing Chili Con Carne with fresh, crunchy or slightly sweet sides creates a satisfying and balanced meal perfect for any cozy dinner.

Chili Con Carne

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 2 hours
Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 cups diced onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green pepper, seeded and chopped
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 2 pounds coarsely ground lean beef
• 2 cups kidney beans, soaked overnight
• 1 jar Newman’s Own Sockarooni or Marinara Pasta Sauce
• 2-3 cups water
• 2-3 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 can (8 ounces) corn
• sour cream, for garnish
• lime wedges, for garnish

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Here’s a hearty and flavorful Chili Con Carne that combines tender beef, beans and vegetables in a rich, spiced sauce.

Here are the kitchen tools you’ll need:

• Large skillet or sauté pan: to cook onions, garlic, peppers, and brown the beef.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: for stirring ingredients while cooking.
• Cutting board: to chop onions, green pepper, and celery.
• Chef’s knife: for dicing vegetables.
• Measuring cups and spoons: for water, chili powder, cumin, and other seasonings.
• Large pot or Dutch oven: to combine all ingredients and simmer the chili.
• Ladle: for serving the chili.
• Small bowls: for garnishes like sour cream and lime wedges.

With these tools ready, you’ll easily prepare a satisfying and warming Chili Con Carne perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Directions for Chili Con Carne

Saute onion, garlic and green pepper in oil until soft.

Add beef and brown. Add kidney beans, pasta sauce, water, chili powder, cumin and salt and pepper, to taste.

Simmer, uncovered, 1 hour, stirring frequently.

Add celery and corn; simmer 1 hour. Garnish with sour cream and lime wedges.

Substitution: Use 3 cups cooked rice for meat to make vegetarian chili.

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More Chili Recipes

Discover more chili recipes that deliver bold flavors and hearty comfort.

• BBQ Chili
• Steak Chili
• Chipotle Veggie Chili
• Vegetarian Sweet Potato Chili
• Slow Cooker Chili

25 Flavor-Packed Chili Recipes will give you even more great recipe ideas!

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