If you’re craving something rich, hearty, and packed with bold flavors, you’re going to absolutely love this Authentic Chili Con Carne Recipe (Thick + Hearty!) Recipe. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it never disappoints — thick, meaty, and with just the right kick from spices and jalapeño. Whether you want a cozy meal for your family or a crowd-pleaser for game day, this chili has got you covered.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Flavor: Uses a blend of chili powder and spices that bring that true Tex-Mex taste.
- Perfectly Thick & Hearty: The slow simmer creates a rich, thick chili that sticks to your spoon (in the best way!).
- Kidney & Black Beans Combo: Adds both texture and nutrition, making every bite satisfying.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps and pantry-friendly ingredients make this a go-to weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All of the ingredients here work together to build layers of flavor, from the caramelized onions to the spice-packed beef, and those hearty beans. I always recommend getting fresh garlic and a good-quality chili powder blend — it really makes a difference in the final taste.
- Olive oil: This is your base for sautéing; it adds a delicate fruitiness and helps brown the onions.
- Chopped onion: Slowly cooking these until golden brings out their natural sweetness.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic works wonders for that savory depth.
- Jalapeño: Adds a gentle heat; chop finely if you want the spice all throughout.
- Ground beef: I find 85% lean is ideal for juicy chili without too much grease.
- Kosher salt: Divided use lets you layer the seasoning perfectly.
- Black pepper: Freshly cracked gives more punch than pre-ground.
- Chili powder: Look for a blend, not just ground chili—it usually contains cumin, oregano and other spices.
- Tomato paste: It deepens the tomato flavor and thickens the chili beautifully.
- Black beans & kidney beans: Both canned are easiest, just drained and rinsed to reduce salt and starch.
- Diced tomato: You want good quality canned diced tomatoes with juices for a rich base.
- Water: Helps balance the thickness and simmers everything together.
Variations
I love how flexible this Authentic Chili Con Carne Recipe (Thick + Hearty!) Recipe is—you can easily tweak it based on your family’s preferences or whatever you have in your pantry.
- Spicier Chili: When I want a serious heat boost, I’ll add chipotle flakes or use a hotter pepper instead of jalapeño.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with diced mushrooms or crumbled tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of water for depth.
- More Smoky Flavor: Adding a splash of smoked paprika or liquid smoke gives it that campfire vibe that my family goes nuts for.
- Thicker Chili: If you prefer an ultra-thick texture, reduce the water by half and simmer uncovered for a bit longer.
How to Make Authentic Chili Con Carne Recipe (Thick + Hearty!) Recipe
Step 1: Slowly Sauté Your Onions to Golden Perfection
Start by heating the olive oil over medium heat. Patience here is key — cook your chopped onions for about 20 minutes until they’re soft, sweet, and golden. This slow caramelizing step is something I learned after rushing once and missing out on that deep flavor. Once the onions look right, toss in the minced garlic and finely chopped jalapeño, cooking for just another minute until the kitchen smells heavenly.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Melt in Your Spices
Add your ground beef to the pot and season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, fresh black pepper, and the chili powder blend. Break up the meat with your spoon, watching for it to lose its pink color completely. It’s important not to rush this part—well-browned beef adds tons of flavor. Then stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly; you want it to deepen slightly in color as it cooks off some tanginess.
Step 3: Bring It All Together and Simmer
Pour in the drained black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, remaining salt, and water. Give everything a good stir and bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer and cover. I usually let mine simmer for at least 30 minutes, but honestly, the longer the better. If you have time, simmer for up to an hour to meld all the flavors together into that thick, hearty chili comfort we all love.
Pro Tips for Making Authentic Chili Con Carne Recipe (Thick + Hearty!) Recipe
- Low and Slow Cooking: Simmering on low heat brings out the best flavors and thickens the chili naturally.
- Use a Quality Chili Powder Blend: I learned from experience that plain ground chile peppers don’t pack the same depth as a blend with cumin, oregano, and garlic powder.
- Drain and Rinse Canned Beans: This simple step cuts down extra sodium and prevents the chili from becoming too starchy.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Brown the beef in batches if needed, so it caramelizes instead of steams.
How to Serve Authentic Chili Con Carne Recipe (Thick + Hearty!) Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping my chili with a swirl of sour cream or Greek yogurt for cooling richness and a handful of shredded sharp cheddar cheese that melts beautifully. Fresh chopped cilantro or green onions add a bright counterpoint, and if you’re feeling adventurous, a squeeze of lime juice really wakes it up.
Side Dishes
To complete the meal, I usually serve this chili with warm cornbread — there’s just something about that sweetness pairing with the spicy beef. Tortilla chips make a great crunchy dipper, and sometimes I throw out a simple green salad to balance the hearty richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, I’ve layered this chili over baked potatoes or filled it inside bell peppers and baked them for an eye-catching dinner. On game day, loading the chili onto nachos with all the fixings makes for a crowd favorite presentation that sparks compliments every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your chili cools, I transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate immediately. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days, and honestly, I think the flavors deepen overnight, so leftovers are often better!
Freezing
This chili freezes like a dream. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, then freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to label the containers with the date — I learned that the hard way when I forgot.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave with a lid to avoid splatters. Whatever method you choose, the chili warms right up without losing its thick, hearty consistency.
FAQs
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Can I make this Authentic Chili Con Carne Recipe (Thick + Hearty!) Recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! After browning the onions and beef on the stovetop, you can transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Just add the beans and tomatoes at the start, and you’ll get a similarly thick and rich chili with minimal effort.
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What’s the difference between this chili and other chili recipes?
This recipe focuses on an authentic blend of spices rather than relying heavily on canned chili seasoning packets. Plus, the use of both black and kidney beans with slow-cooked onions and tomato paste gives it that hearty, thick texture that feels truly homemade.
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How can I adjust the spice level?
To tame the heat, remove the seeds from your jalapeño or start with a smaller amount. To crank it up, add extra chili powder, chipotle flakes, or swap for a hotter pepper like serrano or cayenne. Remember, you can always add more spice later, but you can’t take it away!
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Is this chili gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients used here are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your chili powder blend to ensure no gluten-containing additives have been included.
Final Thoughts
This Authentic Chili Con Carne Recipe (Thick + Hearty!) Recipe has a special place in my home rotation. It’s comforting, flavorful, and hits that perfect balance of spicy and savory every single time. Whether you’re a seasoned chili lover or making it for the first time, I encourage you to give this recipe a try — it’s a real crowd-pleaser that keeps me coming back for seconds (and thirds!). Plus, it’s simple enough to whip up any day of the week. So grab your pot, gather these ingredients, and get ready for some seriously delicious chili magic.
Print
Authentic Chili Con Carne Recipe (Thick + Hearty!) Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Southwestern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Authentic Chili Con Carne recipe is a thick, hearty, and spicy ground beef chili loaded with black and kidney beans. Perfectly balanced with a blend of chili powder and tomato paste, it simmers to develop deep flavors, making it a comforting and satisfying meal that cooks entirely on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups chopped onion
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
- 2 lbs ground beef
Spices and Seasonings
- 2-3 tsp kosher salt, divided use
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3/4 cup chili powder (blend of spices, not ground red chile)
Other Ingredients
- 156 mL tomato paste
- 2 (19-oz) cans black beans
- 2 (19-oz) cans kidney beans
- 4 cups diced tomato
- 3 cups water
Instructions
- Cook Onions: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they turn golden brown, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add Garlic and Jalapeño: Stir in the minced garlic and finely chopped jalapeño. Cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant to enhance the chili’s flavor.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot. Season with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Cook while breaking up the meat with a spoon until it loses its pink color completely.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes until the paste darkens slightly, developing a richer taste.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, water, and the remaining kosher salt. Stir everything together well.
- Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture up to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, or longer for deeper flavors, stirring occasionally.
Notes
- This recipe delivers an authentic taste of chili con carne, rich and hearty with a thick texture and spicy kick.
- The long cooking time on the stovetop allows the flavors to meld perfectly.
- You can adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of jalapeño or chili powder used.
- Using a blend of black and kidney beans adds texture and visual appeal.
- Ensure you stir occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking and to blend flavors evenly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 579 kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 1694 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 20 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 81 mg
