How to Make Homemade Chili Con Carne: A Step-by-Step Guide
Chili con carne is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s loved by many around the world. The name translates from Spanish as “chili with meat,” and it’s a perfect meal for cold days or gatherings with family and friends. The best part? It’s easy to make at home, even if you’re not an experienced cook. Here’s a simple guide to creating your very own homemade chili con carne.
What Is Chili Con Carne?
Chili con carne is a dish made from ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices, all cooked together to create a rich and delicious stew-like food. You can serve it over rice, with bread, or even on top of baked potatoes. It’s versatile and can be adapted to your taste preferences.
Making chili con carne from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and make it as mild or spicy as you like.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients. Here’s a simple list:
- Ground Beef – 500 grams (about one pound)
- Oil – 2 tablespoons (for frying)
- Onion – 1 large, finely chopped
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Bell Pepper – 1 (red or green), chopped
- Canned Tomatoes – 1 large can (about 400 grams/14 ounces)
- Tomato Paste – 1 tablespoon (to boost flavor)
- Canned Kidney Beans – 1 can, drained and rinsed
- Beef Stock – 250 milliliters (1 cup)
- Chili Powder – 1 tablespoon (adjust to taste)
- Ground Cumin – 1 teaspoon
- Paprika – 1 teaspoon
- Salt and Pepper – to taste
- Optional: Fresh chilies or cayenne pepper if you like extra heat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious pot of chili con carne in no time.
Step 1: Prepare Your Vegetables
Start by chopping up your onion, garlic, and bell pepper. If you’re using fresh chilies, chop those too. Preparing everything beforehand will make cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot or pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it turns brown. Use a spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks. Once browned, remove the meat from the pan and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
Using the same pan, add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Then, add the garlic and bell pepper. Cook for another few minutes, stirring occasionally. The vegetables should be fragrant and slightly tender.
Step 4: Add Spices
Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, and paprika. Stir the spices into the vegetables. This step is important for releasing the flavors and giving your chili con carne a bold taste. If you want a spicier chili, add fresh chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper here.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the browned ground beef to the pan, and stir it well with the vegetables and spices. Next, pour in the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef stock. Mix everything thoroughly.
Step 6: Simmer
Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let your chili simmer for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 7: Add the Beans
After 30 minutes, add the drained kidney beans to the pot. Stir them in, and continue cooking for another 10–15 minutes. The beans don’t need as much cooking time, but they’ll soak up the flavors of the chili while heating up.
Step 8: Taste and Adjust
Taste your chili and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more salt, pepper, or chili powder depending on your preference. If the chili seems too thick, you can add a little more beef stock or water to thin it out.
Serving Ideas
Your homemade chili con carne is now ready to serve! Here are some ways to enjoy it:
- Spoon it over a bowl of steamed rice for a filling meal.
- Serve it with tortilla chips or crusty bread for a fun appetizer.
- Top it with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for extra flavor.
- Try it with a baked potato or cornbread for a Southern-inspired twist.
Remember, chili con carne tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to double the recipe and enjoy leftovers.
Tips for Success
- For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with plant-based mince or extra beans, like black beans or chickpeas.
- If you want added smokiness, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
- Make it ahead of time! Chili con carne develops deeper flavors when allowed to sit for a few hours or overnight in the fridge.
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible, such as fresh tomatoes or homemade beef stock. It will enhance the taste of your chili.
Conclusion
Homemade chili con carne is an easy and rewarding dish to cook. With just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you’ll end up with a warm, comforting meal that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a dish you can customize to suit your tastes, making it milder, spicier, or even vegetarian.
Why not gather your ingredients today and give it a try? Don’t forget to share it with friends or family — after all, good food is best enjoyed together!
