Hearty Tex-Mex Chili Con Carne (Printable)
Hearty beef and bean stew with vibrant peppers in a smoky spiced tomato base.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1.1 lbs ground beef
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 large onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
07 - 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
08 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
→ Beans
09 - 14 oz canned red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
10 - 14 oz canned black beans, drained and rinsed
→ Liquids
11 - 1 cup beef broth
12 - 2 tbsp olive oil
→ Spices & Seasonings
13 - 2 tsp ground cumin
14 - 2 tsp chili powder
15 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
16 - 1/2 tsp ground coriander
17 - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
18 - 1 tsp dried oregano
19 - 1 tsp salt, or to taste
20 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
→ Garnishes
21 - Sour cream
22 - Shredded cheddar cheese
23 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
24 - Sliced jalapeños
# How To Make:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
03 - Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
04 - Add diced red and green bell peppers along with finely chopped jalapeño. Cook for 3–4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
05 - Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, coriander, cayenne, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
06 - Pour in beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
07 - Stir in drained kidney beans and black beans. Continue simmering uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to allow the chili to thicken and flavors to meld.
08 - Taste the chili and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro, and sliced jalapeños as desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It somehow tastes more incredible the second day, making it perfect for meal prep or lazy lunches
- The combination of two bean varieties creates a texture that keeps every bite interesting
02 -
- Simmering with the lid off for the final 15 minutes is crucial for achieving that perfect consistency
- Letting the chili rest for 10 minutes off the heat before serving allows the flavors to settle and the sauce to thicken naturally
03 -
- Dry your beef thoroughly with paper towels before browning for better searing
- Wait to add salt until after the beans go in, as it can toughen them during long cooking