Cooper'S Chili Con Carne
Cooper's Chili Con Carne delivers rich, spicy flavors with tender ground beef, perfect for hearty gatherings and chili lovers seeking robust, warming comfort food.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. lean beef ⓘ
- 1/4 c. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 qt. water ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 8 dry chili peppers or 6 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 3 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 10 cloves garlic, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 tsp. red pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. paprika ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 6 Tbsp. cornmeal ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a 6-quart saucepan.
- Add ground beef to the oil and sear over high heat, stirring constantly, until the meat is gray but not browned.
- Ensure the seared meat has the consistency of whole grain hominy.
- Add water, cover, and cook at a bubbly simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
- Add all other ingredients, except flour and cornmeal, and cook for 30 minutes.
- Mix flour and cornmeal with enough water to form a paste.
- Add the paste to the chili.
- Bring the mixture back to a boil.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider using a blend of fresh and dried chili peppers, adjusting the heat level to your preference. If you're short on time, pre-cooked shredded beef can be a convenient substitute. When adding the flour and cornmeal mixture, ensure you stir continuously to avoid lumps. Experiment with different spices to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cooper's Chili Con Carne with a side of warm cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions for added flavor. This chili pairs beautifully with Summer Grilled Steak for a complete barbecue spread or can be enjoyed on its own as a comforting dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm the chili on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For longer storage, you can freeze the chili for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cooper'S Chili Con Carne contains roughly 2162 calories, with 63g protein, 418g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (629% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2985mg per serving (130% 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 ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for lean beef to create a lighter version of this chili. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly, and you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure the turkey is fully cooked.
What can I serve with chili?
Chili is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Consider pairing it with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a fresh salad. It also goes well with rice or baked potatoes, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, add more or fewer chili peppers or chili powder according to your preference. You can also include mild peppers like bell peppers for flavor without the heat, or add a touch of sugar to balance out the spiciness.
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).