This Chili con Carne is rich, hearty, and loaded with smoky spice the ultimate comfort food for cool nights. Made with lean ground beef, red beans, tomatoes, and chili powder, this easy chili con carne recipe comes together in about an hour. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or meal prep that gets even better the next day.
For more cozy meal ideas, check out our Ground Beef Recipes collection your go-to guide for flavorful, family-friendly meals.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Chili con Carne
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather these simple pantry staples for your homemade chili. This recipe serves 4 and takes about 1 hour total (15 minutes prep, 45 minutes cook time).
For the Base
- 1 lb lean ground beef (80–85%)
- 1 large onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) chopped tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth (made with 1 beef stock cube)
Spices & Seasoning
- 1 tbsp mild chili powder (or 1 tsp hot for extra heat)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried marjoram
- 1 tsp sugar (or a small square of dark chocolate)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Sliced jalapeños
- Fresh cilantro or avocado slices
Tip: Use standard U.S. measuring cups and spoons for consistency every time.
How to Make Chili con Carne Step-by-Step
Follow these easy steps to make a flavorful, restaurant-quality chili right in your kitchen.
Step 1 – Brown the Beef and Onions
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add ground beef and cook for another 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned. Browning triggers the Maillard reaction, which gives your chili that deep, savory flavor.
Step 2 – Add the Garlic and Spices
Stir in minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and marjoram. Toasting the spices for about 30 seconds helps intensify their aroma and depth.
🔗 According to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, spices like chili and cumin are rich in antioxidants and support heart health.
Step 3 – Stir in Tomatoes and Beans
Add tomato paste, chopped tomatoes, and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat. Let it simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Stir in red kidney beans and cook another 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 4 – Adjust and Taste
Taste your chili and adjust seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or a pinch of chili flakes for extra heat. If you prefer a richer flavor, stir in a small square of dark chocolate.
Your homemade chili con carne is ready to serve!
What to Serve with Chili con Carne
This bold dish pairs beautifully with:
- Steamed white rice or brown rice
- Cornbread or warm tortillas
- Tortilla chips or baked potatoes
- Mexican-style sides like guacamole or pico de gallo
For more Tex-Mex inspiration, try our Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef, Ground Beef Tacos, or Beef Burritos all perfect complements to this classic chili.
Chili con Carne
Equipment
- Large heavy pot or Dutch oven Even heat for browning and simmering
- Wooden spoon or spatula Break up beef and stir
- Chef’s knife For chopping vegetables
- Cutting board Prep surface
- measuring cups and spoons For accurate seasoning
- Sieve Rinse beans
- Can opener Open canned tomatoes and beans
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder (or 1 tsp hot chili powder)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 0.5 tsp dried marjoram (or oregano)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 14 oz canned chopped tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth (from 1 stock cube)
- 15 oz red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tsp sugar (or 1 small square dark chocolate, optional)
- kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- optional toppings: shredded cheddar, sour cream, jalapeños, cilantro, avocado
- cooked long-grain rice, for serving
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and cook 5–6 minutes, breaking it into small pieces until well browned. Browning develops rich savory notes (Maillard reaction).
- Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and marjoram. Toast the spices for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Mix in tomato paste, canned tomatoes, and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently, uncovered, 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Stir in the kidney beans and cook 10 minutes more. Season with sugar (or dark chocolate), salt, and pepper to taste.
- Turn off heat, cover, and rest 10 minutes. Serve hot with rice and your favorite toppings such as sour cream and cheddar.
Notes
Nutrition
Expert Tips for the Best Chili con Carne
Make It Spicier or Milder
Adjust chili powder to your liking. Use cayenne or jalapeño for more heat, or go milder with smoked paprika.
For a Richer Flavor
Add a square of dark chocolate or even a splash of espresso it deepens the sauce and balances the spice.
Meal Prep & Freezing Tips
This chili lasts up to 4 days in the fridge or 3 months frozen. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth.
Slow Cooker Version
Brown your beef and onions first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours for effortless results.
The Origin of Chili con Carne
Chili con carne, meaning “chili with meat” in Spanish, originated in Texas in the 1800s. Influenced by Mexican cuisine, it became a staple of Tex-Mex culture, blending local ingredients and frontier flavors. Today, it’s one of America’s favorite comfort foods a spicy, hearty dish celebrated in cook-offs nationwide.
Chili con Carne FAQ
What’s the difference between chili and chili con carne?
Traditional chili may use beans or vegetables, but chili con carne always includes meat usually beef in a spiced tomato sauce.
How long does chili con carne last in the fridge?
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently to preserve texture and flavor.
Can I make chili con carne ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better the next day after the spices have time to meld.
How to thicken chili con carne naturally?
Let it simmer uncovered to reduce liquid, or mash a few beans into the sauce for natural thickness.
What beans work best for chili con carne?
Red kidney beans are classic, but you can mix in black or pinto beans for variety.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chili delivers everything you crave spicy, smoky, and deeply satisfying. It’s easy enough for beginners and comforting enough for any family dinner.
Save this chili con carne recipe and share it with a friend who loves comfort food!
For more inspiration, don’t miss our full collection of Ground Beef Recipes that’ll warm you up any night of the week.