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Chili Con Carne

Chili Con Carne

The ultimate comfort food, Chili Con Carne brings together rich flavors and a hearty texture that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. This easy weeknight dinner is perfect for sharing, making it a delightful choice for gatherings. Don't miss out on this crowd-pleaser!
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 7 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 540
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 lbs boneless beef chuck cut into ¾-1-inch chunks
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp spice mix (in directions)
  • vegetable oil for searing
  • 3 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp regular paprika
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1-2 tsp chipotle chili pepper (depending on desired spice level)
  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 1 large green bell pepper diced
  • 2 jalapeno peppers diced
  • 6 garlic cloves minced
  • 128 oz. crushed tomatoes
  • 15 oz. tomato sauce
  • 14.5 oz. fire roasted diced tomatoes with juices
  • 14 oz. mild diced green chiles
  • 3 cups reduced sodium beef broth
  • 2 tbsp masa harina (optional)
  • 1 tbsp reduced sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tsp beef bouillon (granulated, base or 1 crushed cube)
  • 1 ½ tsp dried oregano
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 15 oz. dark kidney beans rinsed and drained

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Skillet
  • Oven
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Chef's Knife
  • Frying Pan
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Cutting Board
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Cook's Note: Start by planning ahead! Chili Con Carne tastes ten times better the next day, so if you can, make it a day in advance.
  2. Seasonings: In a bowl, whisk together the spices to create the spice mix. Set this aside for later use.
  3. Season beef: Pat the cubed beef dry using paper towels. This will help achieve a nice sear. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt and 2 teaspoons of the spice mix, ensuring each piece is well coated.
  4. Sear beef: In a large Dutch oven, heat 1 ½ tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Once hot, add one third of the seasoned beef in a single layer. Let it sear without moving for about five minutes until it’s deeply browned. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining batches, adding more oil as necessary.
  5. Deglaze pan: Carefully add ¼ cup of water to the hot pot. It will sizzle and smoke a bit; use a spatula to scrape up all the tasty browned bits from the bottom. Pour this liquid over the beef on the plate, preserving all those delicious flavors.
  6. Sauté aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium and melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the pot. Add the diced onion and diced green bell pepper, sautéing until the onion is softened, about five to seven minutes. Stir in the jalapenos and garlic, cooking for another thirty seconds. Then, add the remaining spice mix and sauté until fragrant, about one minute.
  7. Add remaining ingredients: Return the seared beef to the pot along with any juices. Then, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, green chiles, and beef broth. Make sure to leave out the beans for now. Add 2 bay leaves and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  8. Simmer: Cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar (about one inch) to allow steam to escape. Let the chili simmer gently for about three to three and a half hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If it thickens too much, stir in a bit of water to reach your desired consistency. The beef should become meltingly tender.
  9. Add beans: Stir in the drained kidney beans and let the chili cook for an additional fifteen minutes.
  10. Adjust to taste: Remove the bay leaves and taste the chili. Adjust seasoning with more salt, chipotle chili pepper, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce as desired. If needed, you can add more beef bouillon for extra flavor.
  11. Serve: Ladle the Chili Con Carne into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes. I love using shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions. Enjoy every comforting bite!

Notes

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to five days in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.