Delicious Chili Con Carne

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Mexican

A hearty, flavorful chili con carne with ground beef, kidney beans, corn, and spices, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, adaptable for freezing and leftovers.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 3 Tbsp. onion flakes
  • 2 c. kidney beans, cooked
  • 10 oz. frozen corn
  • 1 c. water
  • 1 tsp. cumin
  • 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 c. ketchup
  • 2 Tbsp. sugar

Instructions

  1. Saute ground beef with onion flakes until browned.
  2. Drain excess fat and liquid.
  3. Add remaining ingredients and heat to boiling.
  4. Reduce heat and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes.
  5. Serve hot, ideally with corn bread.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a diced bell pepper or a can of diced tomatoes. If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, and black beans can replace kidney beans for a different taste. This chili is versatile, so feel free to adjust spices according to your preference.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious chili con carne hot, ideally with cornbread on the side for a comforting meal. It also pairs wonderfully with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions. For a hearty meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or some tortilla chips. Explore more Mexican recipes to enhance your dining experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. You can also freeze the chili for up to 3 months; just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Delicious Chili Con Carne contains roughly 926 calories, with 42g protein, 134g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (149% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (133% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 37g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

926 kcal 46% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 41.6g 83% DV
Total Fat 44.9g 58% DV
Carbs 133.8g 49% DV
Fiber 37.1g 100% DV
Sugar 17.9g 36% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 333.5mg 15% DV
Potassium 4095.5mg 87% DV
Cholesterol 21.3mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1338.8mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 89.3mg 99% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 1248mg 96% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber

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?

Yes, this chili can be made ahead of time, and the flavors often improve after a day in the fridge. Just reheat it gently on the stove before serving. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

You can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives. Each option will provide a different flavor profile while still delivering a satisfying chili.

Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. The cayenne pepper adds heat, but you can reduce or omit it entirely. Taste as you go, and adjust the seasonings to achieve your desired heat level.

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).

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