Chili Con Carne Or 10,000 Volt Chili

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A hearty, flavorful chili con carne with rich beef, tomatoes, beans, and spicy seasonings, perfect for comfort food lovers and suitable for gatherings or family dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 6 Tbsp. butter or oil
  • 6 large onions
  • 3 lb. ground beef
  • 3 (20 oz.) cans tomatoes
  • 1 can tomato paste
  • 1 can beer
  • 1 Tbsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. Tabasco
  • 2 to 4 Tbsp. chili powder
  • 3 (20 oz.) cans kidney beans

Instructions

  1. Saute onions in butter until they are clear.
  2. Remove the onions and brown the ground beef.
  3. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, beer, salt, Tabasco, and chili powder to the beef.
  4. Simmer the mixture for 45 minutes.
  5. Add the cooked onions and kidney beans to the chili.
  6. Serve over rice with French bread.

Tips & Substitutions

For added depth of flavor, consider using smoked paprika or cayenne pepper in addition to the chili powder. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with textured vegetable protein or lentils. You can also use canned diced tomatoes instead of whole ones for a chunkier texture. Adjust the Tabasco to your heat preference, especially if you're serving kids.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chili over fluffy rice for a filling meal, and accompany it with crusty French bread for dipping. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or diced green onions to enhance the flavors. This chili also pairs beautifully with Tangy Marinated Pork Chops for a hearty feast or can be served alongside a refreshing salad for balance.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making leftovers even more delicious.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chili Con Carne Or 10,000 Volt Chili contains roughly 491 calories, with 20g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (75% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (72% of the Daily Value), and iron (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 940mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).

491 kcal 25% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 19.6g 39% DV
Total Fat 18.9g 24% DV
Carbs 66.2g 24% DV
Fiber 21g 75% DV
Sugar 22.5g 45% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 939.7mg 41% DV
Potassium 2477.5mg 53% DV
Cholesterol 50.2mg 17% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 276.5mcg 31% DV
Vitamin C 65.1mg 72% DV
Calcium 154.5mg 12% DV
Iron 9.8mg 54% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk

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 freeze Chili Con Carne?

Yes, Chili Con Carne freezes very well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

What can I use instead of kidney beans?

If you don't have kidney beans, you can substitute them with black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas. Each type of bean will bring a slightly different texture and flavor, but they all work well in chili. Just be sure to drain and rinse canned beans before adding them to the dish.

How do I make this chili spicier?

To amp up the heat, you can add more Tabasco sauce, or incorporate diced jalapeños or serrano peppers into the mix. Additionally, consider using hotter varieties of chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Always taste as you go to find your perfect spice level.

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).

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