Chili Con Carne is a rich, hearty, and comforting meal that is especially satisfying on a cold day. Made with ground beef, tomatoes, beans, broth, and a warm blend of spices, this easy Chili Con Carne recipe is full of bold flavor without being complicated. It can be cooked on the stovetop in about 30 minutes, or you can transfer it to a slow cooker and let it simmer until you are ready to serve.
The name Chili Con Carne means “chili with meat” in Spanish. In many places, it is simply called chili, but Chili Con Carne usually refers to a meat-based chili made with beef, chili seasonings, tomatoes, and often beans. This version uses lean ground beef, red kidney chili beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and a homemade chili seasoning blend for a thick and flavorful dinner.
One of the best things about homemade Chili Con Carne is how flexible it can be. You can make it mild, spicy, or somewhere in between by adjusting the cayenne pepper. You can serve it in a bowl with cornbread, spoon it over rice, pile it on tortilla chips, or use it as a topping for hot dogs, burgers, or baked potatoes. It is also a great make-ahead meal because the flavor often becomes even better after the chili has had time to rest.
This recipe is different from traditional Texas-style chili, which is often made without beans or tomatoes. Instead, this is a simple, family-friendly Chili Con Carne that is easy to prepare with common pantry ingredients. It is ideal for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, potlucks, game day meals, or any time you want a filling bowl of comfort food.
Ingredients For Chili Con Carne
- Ground beef: Lean ground beef is a good choice because it keeps the chili from becoming greasy. If you use regular ground beef, drain the excess fat after browning.
- Vegetables: Diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic build a savory base and add texture to the chili.
- Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes and tomato paste create a thick, rich sauce that holds the chili together.
- Beans: Red kidney chili beans are added undrained, which gives the chili extra flavor and body.
- Beef broth: Broth adds depth and helps bring the chili to the right consistency.
- Chili seasoning: Paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper create the classic chili flavor.
- Sugar: A small amount of sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste near the end so the flavors are balanced before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Chili Con Carne is easy to serve in several different ways, making it a practical recipe for both simple dinners and larger meals. Here are a few serving ideas:
- In a bowl: Serve the chili hot with cornbread, crackers, or a simple side salad.
- Over rice: Spoon the chili over white or brown rice for a filling meal.
- With tortilla chips: Serve it as a hearty dip, or layer it with chips and cheese for chili nachos.
- In a baked potato: Split open a baked potato and fill it with chili for an easy, satisfying dinner.
- As a topping: Add it to hot dogs or burgers for a flavorful chili-style topping.
Popular Toppings
Toppings make a bowl of Chili Con Carne even better. Set out a few options and let everyone customize their own serving.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican-style cheese blend melts beautifully over hot chili.
- Sour cream: A spoonful of sour cream adds a cool, creamy contrast to the spices.
- Green onions: Chopped green onions add freshness and a mild crunch.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives the chili a bright herbal finish if you enjoy its flavor.
- Jalapeños: Fresh or pickled jalapeño slices add extra heat.
- Avocado: Diced avocado or guacamole gives the chili a creamy topping.
Chili Con Carne Recipe
This homemade Chili Con Carne recipe can be prepared on the stovetop or finished in a slow cooker. Follow the steps below for a thick, hearty chili with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and warm spices.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 3 tbsp. tomato paste
- 28 oz. can crushed tomato
- 14 oz. can red kidney chili beans, undrained
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 1/2 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Chili Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon paprika powder
- 1 1/2 tablespoon cumin powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper, adjusted to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Prepare the Chili Con Carne seasoning:
- In a small bowl, combine the paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Stir well and set the seasoning mixture aside.
2. Cook the vegetables and beef:
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook for about 4 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring often so it does not burn.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. If needed, drain excess grease before continuing.
3. Add the seasoning and tomato paste:
- Sprinkle the chili seasoning mixture over the beef and stir until the meat is evenly coated.
- Add the tomato paste and stir it into the beef mixture so it blends with the spices and vegetables.
4. Simmer the chili:
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, undrained chili beans, beef broth, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat as needed and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Adjust and serve:
- Taste the chili before serving. Add more salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper if desired. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Slow Cooker Option
If you prefer to make slow cooker Chili Con Carne, begin the recipe on the stovetop and then let the slow cooker finish the job. This method is convenient when you want dinner ready later in the day.
- Cook the onion, bell pepper, garlic, and ground beef on the stovetop as directed.
- Stir in the chili seasoning and tomato paste until the beef is well coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, undrained chili beans, beef broth, and sugar.
- Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
The slow cooker method gives the chili more time to develop a deep, blended flavor. It is a good option for busy days, meal prep, or relaxed weekend cooking. Whether you make it quickly on the stovetop or let it simmer slowly, this Chili Con Carne is a dependable recipe that delivers a hearty bowl of comfort.
Serve it with your favorite toppings and sides, and enjoy a warm, filling meal that is easy to customize. This easy Chili Con Carne recipe is flavorful, practical, and satisfying enough to make again and again.
Chili Con Carne
Thick and hearty Chili Con Carne made with lean ground beef, tomatoes, beans, beef broth, and homemade chili seasoning. Cook it on the stovetop or finish it in a slow cooker.
10 minutes
30 minutes
40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 3 tbsp. tomato paste
- 28 oz. can crushed tomato
- 14 oz. can red kidney chili beans, undrained
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 1/2 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Chili Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon paprika powder
- 1 1/2 tablespoon cumin powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper, adjusted to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine all of the chili seasoning ingredients and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook for 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add the chili seasoning mixture and stir until the beef is evenly coated.
- Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, chili beans, beef broth, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper before serving.
Notes
- For the slow cooker method, prepare the beef mixture on the stovetop, then transfer it to a slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours.
- Use more or less cayenne pepper depending on how spicy you want the chili to be.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 409
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 541mg
Sodium: 884mg
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 45g
Nutritional information is intended as a general guideline only and may vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.