Chili Con Carne Y Frijoles
A hearty and flavorful chili con carne with tender beans, savory salt pork, and rich tomato and chili sauces, perfect for comforting casual meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the pinto beans in a bowl overnight; drain well.
- Place the soaked beans, sliced onion, and salt pork in a large saucepan.
- Add water to cover all ingredients.
- Simmer, covered, for 1 to 1½ hours or until the beans are tender, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the ground beef before adding it to the beans. You can substitute the salt pork with bacon for a smokier taste. If you want a vegetarian version, replace the beef and salt pork with mushrooms or tempeh. Adjust the chili powder to suit your spice preference, or add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
Serving Suggestions
Chili Con Carne Y Frijoles pairs excellently with cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. You can top it with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor. Serve alongside a fresh green salad or with tortilla chips for a delightful crunch. It also works well with sides from other Mexican recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe dish until hot. Adding a splash of water can help maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Con Carne Y Frijoles contains roughly 405 calories, with 20g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2523mg per serving (110% 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?
Yes, you can use canned pinto beans to save time. If using canned beans, skip the soaking and cooking time for the beans, and simply add them to the simmering mixture with the sauces. Adjust the cooking time to ensure everything is heated through.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, add more chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper. You could also include fresh diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce during cooking. Experiment to find the right level of spice that suits your taste.
What can I serve with this chili?
This chili is delicious on its own, but you can enhance the meal with sides like cornbread, rice, or a fresh salad. It also complements well with avocado slices or guacamole. For a fun twist, try serving it with tortilla chips for dipping.
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).