Chilli Con Carne
Chilli Con Carne is a hearty, flavorful dish combining ground beef, bacon, beans, and tomatoes, perfect for comforting meals and family gatherings with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Broil bacon until done.
- Remove bacon and sauté onion in the bacon drippings until tender, about 7 to 10 minutes.
- Add ground beef and cook, stirring until gray in color.
- Chop bacon and return to the mixture.
- Add canned kidney beans, tomatoes, salt, and chili powder to taste.
- Simmer until flavors are well blended, about 20 minutes.
- Serve hot. Optionally, serve over hot cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a touch of chipotle in adobo sauce. If you're out of kidney beans, black beans or pinto beans can be excellent substitutes. Adjust the chili powder to your taste preference; for extra heat, add cayenne pepper. To enhance the dish, incorporate bell peppers or corn. This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chilli Con Carne hot, garnished with chopped cilantro or a dollop of sour cream. It pairs wonderfully with hot cooked rice, such as Mexican Rice Pilaf, or alongside crusty bread. For a hearty meal, consider serving it with a side of cornbread or nachos for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. You can reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chilli Con Carne contains roughly 754 calories, with 20g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (55% of the Daily Value), protein (40% of the Daily Value), and iron (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1701mg per serving (74% 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 Chilli Con Carne in advance?
Yes, Chilli Con Carne can be made in advance and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.
Can this recipe be made in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can brown the bacon and beef on the stovetop before transferring everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for a delicious, hands-off meal.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Consider adding a splash of beer or beef broth for depth of flavor. You might also include spices like cumin or oregano to enhance the taste. For a twist, try adding a spoonful of cocoa powder or dark chocolate for richness.
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).