There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of chili con carne to warm you up on a cold evening, and this recipe promises to deliver bold flavors and rich, hearty goodness no matter how you choose to make it. Whether you’re a fan of the slow cooker’s effortless magic or prefer the hands-on approach of stove-top simmering, this versatile dish adapts beautifully to your schedule and preferences. Packed with tender minced beef, vibrant red peppers, and a medley of perfectly balanced spices, this classic chili con carne is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for family dinners, game nights, or meal prep sessions.
But what sets this recipe apart? It’s the small tweaks that make a big impact. Want smoky depth? Toast your spices. Prefer your chili with a kick? Adjust the cayenne to suit your heat tolerance. And for adventurous flavor seekers, a splash of dark beer or a square of dark chocolate can transform this classic into something unforgettable. With tips for both stove-top and slow cooker methods, this recipe ensures that everyone, from kitchen novices to culinary pros, can create a bowl of chili that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours—even if you’re short on time.
Classic Chili Con Carne
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time (Stove-Top): 1 hour
Cooking Time (Slow Cooker): 6–8 hours on low or 4–5 hours on high
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
900g minced beef (80/20)
1 large onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 red peppers, diced
Beans & Tomatoes:
2 (400g) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 (400g) cans chopped tomatoes
1 (170g) can tomato purée
Spices:
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Optional Toppings:
Grated cheddar cheese
Sour cream
Diced onions
Sliced jalapeños
Fresh coriander
Tortilla chips
Stove-Top Method
1. Brown the Meat:
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add the minced beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
Drain excess fat, leaving a small amount for flavor.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
Add the diced onion, garlic, and red peppers to the pot with the beef.
Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
3. Add Remaining Ingredients:
Stir in the kidney beans, chopped tomatoes, and tomato purée.
Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar.
Mix well to combine.
4. Simmer:
Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
Simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
If the chili is too thick, add a splash of beef stock or water.
5. Final Adjustments:
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Serve hot with your choice of toppings.
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Slow Cooker Method
1. Brown the Meat:
In a large frying pan, cook the minced beef over medium-high heat until browned.
Drain excess fat, leaving a small amount for flavor.
2. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
Add the diced onion, garlic, and red peppers.
3. Add Remaining Ingredients:
Stir in the kidney beans, chopped tomatoes, and tomato purée.
Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar.
Mix well to combine all ingredients.
4. Cook:
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
Stir occasionally if possible.
5. Final Adjustments:
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
If the chili is too thick, stir in a splash of beef stock.
If it’s too thin, cook uncovered for the final 30 minutes.
Cooking Tips
For richer flavor:
Toast the spices before adding them to the pot or slow cooker.
Add a splash of strong coffee or dark beer at the beginning for depth.
Stir in a square of dark chocolate during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
For firmer beans: Add the kidney beans during the last 30 minutes (stove-top) or the last 2 hours (slow cooker).
Storage & Serving:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.
Reheat: Warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding liquid if necessary.
Chili Con Carne Serving Suggestions:
Over rice, jacket potatoes, or cornbread.
Set up a toppings bar with grated cheese, sour cream, diced onions, fresh coriander, and tortilla chips.
Enjoy this hearty dish, whether you choose
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