Chili con Carne
AI-generated image
American

Chili con Carne

A deeply savory, gently smoky chili built with browned beef, beans, tomatoes, and warm spices. A short simmer brings the flavors together while preserving a satisfying, spoon-coating texture.

85 min 4 servings Medium
All recipes

How to prepare

1
Heat half of the olive oil in a heavy 4-liter pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it into small pieces, until deeply browned and no pink remains; the meat should reach 74°C. Transfer it to a bowl.
2
Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining olive oil. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring, until softened and lightly golden. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3
Return the beef to the pot. Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt, cooking for 1 minute until the spices smell toasted and the paste darkens slightly.
4
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef stock, scraping the bottom of the pot to release the browned bits. Stir until evenly combined, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
5
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and simmer for 35 minutes. Stir every 10 minutes; the chili should bubble lazily and thicken enough to leave a clear trail when a spoon is drawn through it.
Thick chili con carne simmering in a pot with beef and beans visible. AI-generated image
6
Stir in the drained kidney beans and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, until the beans are heated through and tender but still intact. Taste and adjust the salt.
7
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the lime juice. Rest for 5 minutes so the chili settles and the flavors round out.
8
Ladle the chili into warm bowls and serve with the toppings or accompaniments of your choice.
A bowl of chili con carne topped with cheddar, sour cream, cilantro, and lime. AI-generated image

Why this recipe works

Browning the beef before adding the liquid creates a savory foundation, while tomato paste, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika layer in depth without overwhelming the beans. A final touch of lime brightens the long, mellow simmer.

Storage and reheating

How to store it

Cool the chili within 2 hours, then refrigerate in a covered container for up to 4 days. It can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

How to reheat it

Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until steaming hot throughout and at least 74°C. Add a splash of water if it has thickened too much.

Nutrition / serving

484kcal
34.45 gprotein
33.68 gcarbs
23.97 gfat
P
Pantryvale editorial kitchen
Recipe prepared for publication with complete ingredients and ordered cooking steps.
Published 14 Aug 2026 · updated 14 Aug 2026