Chilli Con Carne

Chilli Con Carne is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for cozy nights at home or entertaining friends and family. This classic recipe brings together hearty ground beef, a rich tomato base, a blend of aromatic spices, and beans for a delicious and satisfying meal. Whether you serve it over rice, with warm tortillas, or as part of a taco bowl, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 tbsp chilli powder
– 1 tbsp cumin
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Stir in the chilli powder, cumin, and paprika, and cook for another minute until fragrant.

4. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, drained and rinsed kidney beans, drained and rinsed black beans, and beef broth to the pot. Stir well to combine.

5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the chilli simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together, stirring occasionally.

6. Season the chilli with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a spicier chilli, you can add more chilli powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper at this point.

7. Serve the chilli hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, and fresh cilantro. It’s also delicious over cooked rice or with warm tortillas on the side.

Chilli Con Carne is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your tastes. Feel free to add additional vegetables like corn or diced zucchini, or adjust the spiciness level to your preference. This recipe is perfect for batch cooking and freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner with friends or craving a comforting meal for your family, this homemade chilli recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!