Chili Con Carne(Large Batch)
A hearty and flavorful chili con carne with tender ground beef, beans, and spices, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Crumble and brown the ground beef in a skillet or stew pot.
- Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add chopped onions and a bit of oil if needed, cooking until softened.
- Add canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, chopped garlic, bay leaf, and chili spice mix.
- Simmer the mixture for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Add kidney beans with their liquid during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
- If needed, add water to reach desired consistency.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and ground pork. If you're out of chili mix, you can substitute with cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Adjust the heat by adding jalapeños or using a spicier chili mix. Fresh herbs like cilantro can enhance the dish, and serving with sour cream or shredded cheese can balance the heat. This chili also pairs well with Beef Enchiladas With Green Sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your chili con carne with warm cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. Toppings like diced onions, shredded cheese, and avocado add freshness. Consider pairing with a side of tortilla chips for crunch. This dish is perfect for game days or family gatherings, and you can also serve it alongside Mexican recipes like Beef Tamales.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the chili in portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Con Carne(Large Batch) contains roughly 765 calories, with 37g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (181% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (159% of the Daily Value), and protein (74% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 845mg per serving (37% 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 con carne ahead of time?
Absolutely! Chili con carne tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can make it a day in advance, allowing it to cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. Just reheat on the stove over low heat when you're ready to serve.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a mix of lentils, black beans, and chopped vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and ensure your chili mix is vegetarian-friendly. This will still give you a hearty and flavorful chili.
What can I serve with chili con carne?
Chili con carne pairs wonderfully with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips. You could also serve it with a side salad or grilled vegetables for a fresh contrast. For a fun twist, use it as a topping for nachos or baked potatoes.
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).