Chili Con Carne A La Antigua(Guatemala)
A hearty Guatemalan chili featuring ground beef, fresh and canned tomatoes, spices, and beans, topped with cheese—perfect for comforting gatherings or family meals.
Ingredients
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 2 lb. canned tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups water ⓘ
- 2 fresh tomatoes, peeled, deseeded, and chopped ⓘ
- 1 green chile, chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chile powder ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dry oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dry basil leaves
- 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 lb. canned red beans, rinsed
- 1/2 lb. coarsely grated cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a stew pot, sauté the garlic and onion in the oil until soft.
- Add the ground beef and cook until well done.
- Drain the oil from the pot and add the canned tomatoes, water, fresh tomatoes, green chile, spices, and red beans.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer over low heat for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
- Serve in soup bowls and top with grated cheese.
- Serve with garlic bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while simmering. If you're short on time, using precooked ground beef can speed up the process. Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter option, or use lentils for a vegetarian version. For heat, adjust the cayenne pepper according to your preference. This recipe also pairs well with other beef recipes like Quick-Cook Chili.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili in deep bowls, topped with coarsely grated cheddar cheese for a creamy contrast. It pairs excellently with garlic bread or crusty rolls for dipping. For added freshness, consider serving with a side salad or pickled jalapeños. This dish also complements well with rice or cornbread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts until heated through. If the chili thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Con Carne A La Antigua(Guatemala) contains roughly 2114 calories, with 115g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 154g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), protein (231% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 make this chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! Chili often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it a day in advance, let it cool, then store it in the refrigerator. Reheat thoroughly before serving, and feel free to adjust the seasoning if needed.
What can I substitute for canned tomatoes?
If you prefer fresh ingredients, you can use 4 cups of diced fresh tomatoes instead of canned. Ensure to peel and deseed them, similar to the fresh tomatoes in the recipe. You may also try tomato puree for a smoother texture.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Certainly! Add more cayenne pepper or include diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to boost the heat level. You can also experiment with different types of chiles or hot sauce to suit your taste preferences.
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).