Claudine'S Chili Con Carne
Claudine's Chili Con Carne offers a hearty, flavorful blend of ground beef, tomatoes, beans, and spices, perfect for comforting gatherings or casual dinners. The smoky chili flavor combined with melted cheddar makes it a crowd-pleaser that warms both the palate and the soul.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1 onion, diced ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 package Schilling chili mix ⓘ
- 3 or 4 drops Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- chili powder to taste ⓘ
- 1/2 cup salsa ⓘ
- about 1/2 lb. sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 large cans red kidney beans, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef, crushed garlic, and diced onion in a small amount of olive oil.
- Add the remaining ingredients and mix well.
- Cook just until everything is hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a diced bell pepper or a chopped jalapeño when browning the beef. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or textured vegetable protein. Adjust the chili powder and Tabasco sauce to your heat preference, and feel free to mix in some canned corn for added sweetness. This chili pairs well with Sop A(Mexican Side Dish) for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili con carne hot, topped with shredded sharp Cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess. It goes well with crusty bread or tortilla chips for scooping. For a full meal, pair it with Mexicali Rice or a side of Mama'S Tamale Pie. Fresh cilantro and diced green onions can add a refreshing garnish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For a quicker option, microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely, for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Claudine'S Chili Con Carne contains roughly 1043 calories, with 46g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (92% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (78% of the Daily Value), and calcium (73% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2192mg per serving (95% 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! This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before serving. It's perfect for meal prep or gatherings.
What can I substitute for red kidney beans?
If you don't have red kidney beans, feel free to use black beans or pinto beans instead. Both options will complement the chili's flavor well and provide a similar texture.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of chili powder and Tabasco sauce. You could also consider adding diced fresh jalapeños, serrano peppers, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick!
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).