Chile Con Carne
A hearty and flavorful chili with ground beef, beans, and spices, perfect for satisfying cravings and suitable for casual gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the shortening in a pot, then mix the ground beef with black pepper, red pepper, and salt, and add to the pot.
- Cook the meat mixture over medium heat until browned and done.
- Add water, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, tomato sauce, and pinto beans to the pot.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cumin or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of water. Adjust the spice levels to your taste, especially if you enjoy dishes like Mexicali Chili. You can also add diced tomatoes for extra texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chile Con Carne hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips for a satisfying meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or with sides like Sue'S Oven Baked Burritos for a delightful spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chile Con Carne contains roughly 261 calories, with 9g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (73% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (60% of the Daily Value), and iron (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1300mg per serving (57% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned beans instead of dried pinto beans?
Yes, you can use canned pinto beans for convenience. Just drain and rinse them before adding to the pot in step 3. This will save time and still provide the same delicious flavor and texture to your Chile Con Carne.
What can I do if my chili turns out too spicy?
If your chili is too spicy, you can balance the heat by adding a dollop of sour cream or yogurt when serving. Additionally, incorporating more beans or diced tomatoes can help dilute the spiciness without losing the overall flavor.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
Chile Con Carne can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just follow the storage instructions for reheating when you're ready to enjoy it.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).