Chili Con Carne With Beans

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: Mexican

A hearty chili con carne with beans featuring tender beef, smoky spices, and fresh vegetables, perfect for comforting meals and gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 5 Tbsp. corn oil
  • 1 c. chopped onion
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 c. diced green peppers
  • 2 lb. ground beef (lean)
  • 1 Tbsp. wine vinegar (optional)
  • 1 Tbsp. brown sugar (optional)
  • 4 c. tomatoes
  • 4 c. kidney beans
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 4 Tbsp. chili powder
  • 1 c. boiling water

Instructions

  1. Saute onion, garlic, and green peppers in corn oil.
  2. Add ground beef and brown.
  3. Add tomatoes, kidney beans, salt, chili powder, and optional vinegar and sugar.
  4. Cover and simmer over low heat for 1 hour.
  5. Add boiling water if needed to adjust consistency.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoky flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a mix of mushrooms and lentils or use the Vegetable Chili Con Carne recipe. To enhance the depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of beer alongside the tomatoes. Adjust the chili powder to your heat preference.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Chili Con Carne With Beans with warm cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with Joy'S Taco Salad for a complete feast. You can also offer tortilla chips on the side for dipping.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture. Chili often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld, making it a great dish for meal prep or leftovers.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chili Con Carne With Beans contains roughly 2485 calories, with 32g protein, 163g carbohydrates, and 193g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (109% of the Daily Value), protein (64% of the Daily Value), and iron (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1413mg per serving (61% of the Daily Value).

2485 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 32.2g 64% DV
Total Fat 193.2g 100% DV
Carbs 163.4g 59% DV
Fiber 4.8g 17% DV
Sugar 149.4g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1413.1mg 61% DV
Potassium 1023.3mg 22% DV
Cholesterol 113.6mg 38% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 68.4mcg 8% DV
Vitamin C 98.2mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 192.8mg 15% DV
Iron 6.5mg 36% DV
Diet fit High-protein

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 freezes very well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.

What can I substitute for kidney beans?

If you don't have kidney beans, you can use black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas as a substitute. Each type of bean will add a different texture and flavor, so feel free to experiment based on what you have on hand.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To increase the heat, add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers when sautéing the onions and peppers. You can also sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or increase the amount of chili powder to suit your taste. For an extra kick, stir in some hot sauce right before serving.

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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