Chili Con Carne Americano
A hearty and flavorful chili con carne with ground beef, pork sausage, and beans, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Use a 12-inch or larger skillet.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook onion, bell pepper, crumbled ground beef, sausage, and garlic until meat is lightly browned.
- Add tomato sauce, chopped stewed tomatoes, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and cooked pinto beans; stir to blend.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer covered for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of liquid smoke. If you prefer a spicier chili, increase the cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños. You can substitute ground turkey for the beef and sausage for a lighter option, or use canned beans for convenience. For a thicker consistency, let it simmer uncovered for the last 15 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or crusty bread for a complete meal. For a lighter option, serve alongside a fresh green salad. Explore more American recipes for additional inspiration.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, covering it loosely to prevent splatters.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Con Carne Americano contains roughly 407 calories, with 18g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (122% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (65% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 992mg per serving (43% 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 in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the meat and vegetables first, then transfer them to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for a delicious, slow-simmered flavor.
What can I use instead of pinto beans?
If you don't have pinto beans, you can substitute them with kidney beans or black beans for a different texture and flavor. Canned beans work well for convenience; just rinse and drain them before adding them to the chili.
How can I adjust the spice level of this chili?
To adjust the spice level, you can either increase the amount of cayenne pepper or chili powder for more heat, or add diced mild peppers for a subtle flavor. For milder chili, reduce the spices and serve with toppings like sour cream to help balance the heat.
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).