Welcome to the ultimate comfort food experience! If you're craving a dish that warms your soul and fills your belly, look no further than this Hearty Homestyle Chili Con Carne. Bursting with rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this Mexican-inspired chili is perfect for cozy nights, game days, or any occasion that calls for a delicious meal. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a pot of this savory delight that serves 8, ensuring there's plenty to share—or keep all to yourself! Ready to dive into the recipe that will have your taste buds dancing? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans kidney beans, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Ensure that the ground beef is thawed if it was frozen. Chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the pot. Cook the beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink, which should take about 7-10 minutes.
- Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the pot. This will help keep your chili from becoming greasy.
- Return the pot to medium heat and add the two cans of drained kidney beans and the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the mixture.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Make sure all the ingredients are well combined.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the chili to simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- After 45 minutes, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or chili powder to suit your preference.
- Once the chili is done simmering, remove it from heat and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the hearty homestyle chili con carne hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Ingredient Prep: Take the time to chop your onions and mince your garlic before you start cooking. This will streamline the process and ensure that everything cooks evenly.
- Browning the Beef: Make sure to brown the ground beef thoroughly. This step not only enhances the flavor but also gives your chili a rich, hearty texture.
- Drain Excess Fat: After browning the beef, draining the excess fat is crucial for a less greasy chili. This will help you achieve that perfect consistency.
- Simmer for Flavor: Allow your chili to simmer for at least 45 minutes. This is where the magic happens! The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together, creating a truly hearty dish.
- Taste and Adjust: Don’t forget to taste your chili before serving. Adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or chili powder to match your personal preference.
- Garnish for Greatness: Serve your chili with a variety of toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions. These additions not only enhance the flavor but also add a delightful presentation.
- Make it Ahead: Chili often tastes even better the next day! Consider making it in advance to allow the flavors to develop, and simply reheat when you're ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 255kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 40mg
