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Authentic Chili Con Carne Recipe (Thick + Hearty!) Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 97 reviews
  • Author: Nora
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Incorporate Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes until the paste darkens slightly, developing a richer taste.
  5. Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, water, and the remaining kosher salt. Stir everything together well.
  6. 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