Mom'S Chili Con Carne
Mom's Chili Con Carne offers hearty, spicy flavor with ground beef, beans, and tomatoes, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- 1 large bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can red kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can hot chili beans ⓘ
- 2 large cans whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 2 1/2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/8 to 1/4 tsp. Tabasco pepper sauce ⓘ
- dash of cayenne ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat in a large Dutch oven or similar pan and drain off the grease.
- Lightly sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper until tender.
- Add the cooked meat, sautéed vegetables, beans, whole tomatoes, salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, Tabasco sauce, and cayenne pepper (if desired) into the pan.
- Cover and cook over medium to low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 1 hour.
- If the mixture is too soupy, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl and add to the chili.
- Continue cooking for a few more minutes, stirring to allow the mixture to thicken.
- Serve steaming hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and ground pork. You can substitute the kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans for a different texture. If you prefer a milder chili, omit the cayenne and reduce the Tabasco sauce. Adding a tablespoon of brown sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes. This chili recipe can also be adapted as a One Pot Dinner (Slow Cooker).
Serving Suggestions
Serve your chili con carne with a side of cornbread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Green Bean Casserole(Microwave For 18 Minutes.) for a comforting family dinner. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños for added flavor and garnish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to loosen it up.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Chili Con Carne contains roughly 400 calories, with 18g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (199% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (164% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (99% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1841mg per serving (80% 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 turkey instead of beef for this chili?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for lean ground beef. It will result in a lighter chili, but you may want to add a bit more seasoning to enhance the flavor since turkey can be milder.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a mix of lentils and chopped mushrooms for texture. You can also add extra beans and vegetables like zucchini or corn to enhance the dish.
What can I serve with chili con carne?
Chili con carne is versatile; serve it with tortilla chips, a fresh salad, or baked potatoes. It also goes well with a side of coleslaw or a simple green salad to balance the hearty flavors.
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).