Mexican Chili Con Carne Recipe

Mexican Chili Con Carne

Chili con carne is a hearty and flavorful stew that’s a staple of Mexican cuisine. It’s traditionally made with beef, chili peppers, and beans, but variations abound. This recipe offers a classic version that’s perfect for a cozy winter night or a satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1 to 2 tablespoons chili oil or hot sauce

Cooking Guide:

1. Brown the beef: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles. Drain any excess grease.
2. Sauté vegetables: Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Combine ingredients: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4. Simmer and adjust: Reduce heat to low and let the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for richer flavor. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. For extra heat, stir in chili oil or hot sauce.

Tips:

• Beef choice: For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and ground chuck.
• Beans: Feel free to use any combination of beans you prefer. Black beans are also a popular choice.
• Spices: Adjust the amount of chili powder and other spices to suit your taste.
• Toppings: Serve your chili with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, and green onions.
• Thickening: If you prefer a thicker chili, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot.

Enjoy your homemade chili con carne!

Would you like to add any specific variations or dietary restrictions to this recipe?