Name: Classic Chili Con Carne Recipe (Hearty & Spicy!)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: Ground Beef; Kidney Beans; Onion and Garlic; Diced Tomatoes; Chili Powder; Cumin; Bell Peppers; Olive Oil; Salt and Pepper

Jump to Recipe

Classic Chili Con Carne is the ultimate comfort dish, full of bold flavors and satisfying ingredients! This hearty recipe combines tender ground beef, kidney beans, and a medley of spices simmered to perfection. Ideal for a cozy dinner night or a gathering with friends, this chili will warm you from the inside out!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients
How to Make
Tips for Making
Make-Ahead Instructions
Storing Leftovers
Freezing
Reheating
Serving Suggestions
FAQs
Try these related recipes next!
Tex-Mex Rice Bowl
Easy Beef Tacos
Classic Beef Stew
Stuffed Peppers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Flavorful: The combination of spices, beef, and beans creates a richly layered flavor that you will crave.
Easy to Make: This chili comes together in a single pot and requires minimal prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week.
Versatile Dish: Chili Con Carne can be served over rice, with tortilla chips, or on its own, making it a great option for varied preferences.
leftovers taste better! The flavors deepen as the chili sits, making it ideal for meal prep or making ahead!

Ingredients for Chili Con Carne

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground Beef: The base of the chili, provides a hearty texture and rich flavor.
Kidney Beans: These beans add protein, fiber, and texture; feel free to use canned or cooked from scratch.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatic vegetables form the flavor backbone of the dish.
Diced Tomatoes: Juicy and flavorful, these tomatoes add moisture and acidity to balance the richness.
Chili Powder: This spice blend is essential for giving chili its signature flavor; adjust to your spice preference.
Cumin: Adds an earthy depth of flavor that complements the other spices.
Bell Peppers: Adds sweetness and crunch to the chili; any color works!
Olive Oil: For sautéing the onions and garlic for added richness.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the flavor of the chili.

How to Make Chili Con Carne

In a large pot over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add chopped onions and diced bell peppers and sauté until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Increase the heat to medium-high, add ground beef, and cook until browned. Break apart the meat as it cooks.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring the chili to a simmer.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.

Tips for Making Chili Con Carne

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality meat will elevate the flavor.
Spice it Up: Adjust the spice levels to your liking by adding more chili powder or jalapeños.
Let it Rest: Allowing the chili to sit for at least 30 minutes (or longer) will enhance the flavors even more!

Make-Ahead Instructions

Prepare the chili as directed, then let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.
This chili can be made up to 2 days in advance; simply reheat it before serving.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to allow it to cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness.

Freezing Chili Con Carne

To freeze, store the cooled chili in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
Label each container with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Chili Con Carne

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
You can also microwave the chili in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 1-minute intervals until hot.

Serving Suggestions

Cornbread – A perfect companion for soaking up the chili.
Tortilla Chips – Crunchy chips add a nice contrast to the soft chili.
Guacamole – Creamy and fresh, it balances the heat of the chili.

FAQs

Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef in this recipe.

Is this recipe spicy?

You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili powder and using mild or spicy varieties according to your taste.

How long can I store leftovers?

Leftover chili can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, replace the ground beef with your choice of meat substitute or skip it altogether and add more beans or vegetables.

What are the best toppings for chili?

Common toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, and fresh cilantro.