Chili Con Carne(Easy But Tasty)
A hearty, flavorful chili con carne with tender ground beef, beans, and spices, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 medium to large green pepper, sliced ⓘ
- 1 medium to large onion, chopped or sliced ⓘ
- 15 oz. can crushed or stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 15 oz. can red kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 or 2 Tbsp. corn or vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. beef bouillon powder ⓘ
- 1 trace garlic powder or garlic clove ⓘ
- 1 to 5 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Sear ground beef at high temperature in a large pot.
- Reduce temperature, pour off grease, and add corn or vegetable oil.
- Add chopped or sliced onions and cook until translucent.
- Add green peppers and cook until desired texture.
- Add crushed or stewed tomatoes and a can of red kidney beans.
- Rinse the second can of beans and the tomato can with 1-2 ounces of water, then add to the pot.
- Add beef bouillon powder and stir well.
- Add chili powder to taste.
- Add garlic powder or fresh garlic cloves.
- Stir well and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the ground beef with a pinch of chili powder. If you're short on time, canned beans are a great shortcut, but rinsing them helps reduce sodium. Feel free to swap the red kidney beans for black beans or pinto beans based on your preference. For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with lentils or mushrooms.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Chili Con Carne with a side of cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or diced green onions for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Oklahoma Taco Soup for a comforting dinner spread, or alongside tortilla chips for a casual gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Con Carne(Easy But Tasty) contains roughly 1245 calories, with 49g protein, 256g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (680% of the Daily Value), protein (97% of the Daily Value), and iron (78% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1446mg per serving (63% 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, and store in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, just reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the chili?
To control the heat, start with a smaller amount of chili powder and taste as you go. You can always add more, but it's hard to take it out once it's in. Consider adding diced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra kick if desired.
Is there a way to make this chili healthier?
Yes! You can substitute lean ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Adding more vegetables like zucchini or carrots can enhance the nutritional value while keeping the chili flavorful. Opt for low-sodium beans and tomatoes to reduce the overall sodium content.
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).