Hearty and Flavorful Chili Con Carne
Hearty and Flavorful Chili Con Carne
The Ultimate Chili Con Carne Recipe for a Delicious Home-Cooked Meal
Want to feel like you’re dining at a restaurant right in your own home? Need an impressive dish to serve when guests come over? Or perhaps you’re looking for a convenient meal to keep in your freezer for busy days? This Chili Con Carne recipe is incredibly versatile and perfect for all these occasions! It delivers a rich, deep flavor that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients- 6 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 200g Onion, finely chopped
- 500g Ground Beef
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 50g Jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
- 4 assorted Chili Peppers (e.g., Serrano, Anaheim), seeded and finely chopped
- 2 tsp Cumin Powder
- 1 tsp Oregano
- 2 tsp Paprika Powder
- 2 tsp Cayenne Pepper Powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 4 tsp Tabasco Sauce (adjust to your taste)
- 2 Tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 tsp Salt
- A pinch of Black Pepper
- 2 Tbsp Chicken Stock
- 500ml Water
- 1 Cinnamon Stick
- 1 can (400g) Diced Tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 can Sweet Corn, drained
- 3 cans Beans (e.g., Kidney, Pinto, Black Beans), drained and rinsed
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
1. Prepare your aromatics and vegetables: Finely mince the garlic. Finely chop the onion, jalapeño, and other chili peppers after removing their seeds. Having all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking makes the process much smoother.
Step 2
2. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once shimmering, add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this step, as it builds a crucial flavor base.
Step 3
3. Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it’s browned and any moisture has evaporated. Continue cooking until the beef is nicely browned and slightly crispy in places; this step is key for developing deep beefy flavor.
Step 4
4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it darkens slightly. This helps to deepen its flavor. Then, add the cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir and cook for another minute until the spices are fragrant.
Step 5
5. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Use a spoon to break down the tomatoes as you stir them into the meat and spice mixture. This will help create a cohesive sauce.
Step 6
6. Add the chopped jalapeño and chili peppers. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can adjust the heat level here by adding more or less chili pepper.
Step 7
7. Pour in the chicken stock and water. Add the oregano and Tabasco sauce. Drop in the cinnamon stick. The cinnamon adds a subtle warmth and complexity that is characteristic of good chili.
Step 8
8. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover partially (leaving a small gap for steam to escape) and simmer for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This allows the flavors to meld.
Step 9
9. Drain and rinse the canned beans and corn thoroughly under hot and then cold running water. This removes excess sodium and any ‘canned’ taste. Add them to the pot and stir to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Step 10
10. If using an oven: Transfer the chili to an oven-safe dish and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 40 minutes. If not using an oven: Cover the pot and continue to simmer over low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the chili has thickened to your desired consistency. Low and slow cooking develops incredible depth of flavor.
Step 11
11. Once cooked, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed. Remove and discard the cinnamon stick.
Step 12
12. Ladle the chili into serving bowls. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese and gently stir it in until melted and gooey. The cheese adds a creamy richness.
Step 13
13. Serve your delicious Chili Con Carne with your favorite accompaniments! It’s fantastic with baked potato wedges, crusty baguette, pasta, or as a filling for tacos. Consider topping with sour cream, avocado, or cilantro for extra flair. Enjoy this hearty and satisfying meal!
