Chili con carne is a classic and hearty dish that's perfect for a cozy meal. Here’s a recipe to make a flavorful chili with beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices, served with tortillas.
Ingredients:
For the Chili:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Serving:
- Tortillas (flour or corn)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Sliced jalapeños (optional)
- Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat if necessary.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
- Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Spices and Tomato Paste:
- Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Add the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Add Tomatoes and Beans:
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), kidney beans, and black beans.
- Stir to combine, and then pour in the beef broth.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Simmer the Chili:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For best flavor, simmer for up to 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the chili and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or spices if needed.
7. Prepare Tortillas:
- While the chili is simmering, warm the tortillas.
- You can do this by heating them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or you can wrap them in foil and heat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
8. Serve:
- Ladle the chili into bowls and serve with warm tortillas.
- Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and lime wedges, if desired.
Enjoy your delicious chili con carne with all the tasty toppings and warm tortillas! If you have any more questions or need additional tips, just let me know.
