Lyle'S Chili Con Carne

Prep: 15 min Cook: 90 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: Mexican

A hearty, flavorful chili con carne with ground beef and pork, robust spices, and beans, perfect for satisfying gatherings and chili lovers seeking comfort in a bowl.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb. ground beef
  • 1/2 lb. ground pork
  • 3 medium onions, chopped
  • 1/4 cup celery, chopped
  • 1 (No. 303) can kidney beans
  • 2 (No. 303) cans tomatoes
  • 1 heaping tablespoon chili powder per pound meat
  • 8 oz. tomato sauce
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • pinch of ground cumin
  • cayenne pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Stir and brown off the ground beef and pork in a skillet or open saucepan; drain off any fat or water that renders out.
  2. Add chopped onions and celery to the meat and stir.
  3. Cook until the vegetables are clear.
  4. In a pot, add all the ingredients together; cover and cook over low heat for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
  5. Serve with cayenne pepper on the side for guests to add to taste.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the chili. If you prefer a leaner option, substitute ground turkey for the beef and pork. To enhance the spice, try adding diced jalapeños or a dash of smoked paprika. This recipe is versatile, so feel free to adjust the chili powder based on your heat preference.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this chili con carne with warm cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. It's also delicious topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and diced green onions. For a fun twist, consider pairing it with Marge'S Chili Bean Dip for an appetizer or a side dish. Enjoy it with tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, let the chili cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Lyle'S Chili Con Carne contains roughly 435 calories, with 29g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (119% of the Daily Value), protein (58% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (35% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1136mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).

435 kcal 22% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 29.2g 58% DV
Total Fat 26.7g 34% DV
Carbs 26.7g 10% DV
Fiber 7.4g 26% DV
Sugar 4.4g 9% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1136mg 49% DV
Potassium 1301.3mg 28% DV
Cholesterol 73.7mg 25% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 317mcg 35% DV
Vitamin C 24.4mg 27% DV
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 2% DV
Calcium 322.2mg 25% DV
Iron 21.5mg 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 in advance?

Absolutely! Chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it a day in advance and simply reheat it when you're ready to serve. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.

What can I use instead of kidney beans?

If you don't have kidney beans, you can substitute them with black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas for a different texture and flavor. Each option will add its own unique twist to the chili.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of this chili, replace the ground beef and pork with a mix of lentils, mushrooms, and bell peppers. You can also use canned beans for added protein and texture. Adjust the seasoning to enhance the flavors in the absence of meat.

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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