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

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

8 servings
This Authentic Chili Con Carne recipe delivers a thick, hearty, and spicy ground beef chili loaded with black and kidney beans. Slow-simmered on the stovetop to develop rich, robust flavors, it's perfect for a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and full of classic Tex-Mex taste.

Ingredients

  • olive oil
    2 tbsp
  • onion
    3 c
  • garlic
    6 clove
  • jalapeño
    1
  • ground beef
    2 lb
  • kosher salt

    divided use

    2 tsp
  • black pepper
    ½ tsp
  • chili powder

    blend of spices, not ground red chile

    ¾ c
  • tomato paste
    156 ml
  • 19-oz cans black beans
    2
  • 19-oz cans kidney beans
    2
  • tomatoes
    4 c
  • water
    3 c

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat olive oil over medium heat and cook the chopped onions for about 20 minutes until they turn golden and soft, which brings out their natural sweetness and forms the flavor base.

  2. 2

    Stir in the minced garlic and finely chopped jalapeño, cooking for an additional 1 minute until fragrant to release their aromas without burning.

  3. 3

    Add the ground beef into the pot and season with 1 teaspoon of salt, black pepper, and the chili powder blend. Cook while breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it is no longer pink inside to ensure thorough cooking.

  4. 4

    Stir in the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly for 2 minutes until the paste darkens slightly, which deepens the chili’s flavor profile.

  5. 5

    Combine the remaining 1-2 teaspoons of salt, black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil to combine all elements.

  6. 6

    Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, or longer if desired, allowing the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken beautifully.

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

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

80 min8 servings579 cal

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About this Recipe

Authentic Chili Con Carne: A Hearty, Flavor-Packed Meal

There's nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Authentic Chili Con Carne to warm you from the inside out. This isn't just any chili; it's a thick, hearty, and spicy ground beef chili that delivers on all fronts, perfect for a comforting family dinner or a game-day feast. Our recipe focuses on developing incredibly rich, robust flavors through a patient slow-simmered stovetop chili method.

What makes this chili con carne truly special? It's the harmonious blend of savory ground beef, tender black beans, and hearty kidney beans, all brought together with a vibrant mix of aromatics like chopped onion, minced garlic, and a finely chopped jalapeño for that perfect kick. The generous use of high-quality chili powder (a spice blend, not just ground red chile) and concentrated tomato paste ensures a deep, complex flavor profile that will have everyone asking for seconds. You'll achieve that classic Tex-Mex taste you crave, making this one of the best spicy chili recipes you'll ever make.

This bean chili is incredibly versatile. Serve it simply in a bowl, piled high with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh cilantro. It's also fantastic over rice, alongside cornbread, or even as a topping for hot dogs or nachos. Get ready to experience a truly satisfying and flavorful meal with this incredible hearty chili!

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