This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Are you craving a classic, bold, and flavorful dinner? Discover why Chili Con Carne has become a must-try supper dish across American families! Packed with protein, veggies, and spices, it’s perfect for a cozy weeknight or a lazy weekend meal.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chili
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
- Customizable heat level for the whole family
- Budget-friendly and uses pantry staples
- Great for busy evenings
Ingredient Breakdown
Here is what you need for a truly mouthwatering Chili Con Carne:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Onion (large, diced) | 1 |
| Red pepper (chopped) | 1 |
| Garlic cloves (chopped) | 2 |
| Oil | 1 tbsp |
| Hot chili powder | 1 heaped tsp or 1 level tbsp mild |
| Paprika | 1 tsp |
| Ground cumin | 1 tsp |
| Lean minced beef | 500g |
| Beef stock cube | 1 |
| Chopped tomatoes (can) | 400g |
| Dried marjoram | ½ tsp |
| Sugar (or dark chocolate) | 1 tsp (or thumb-sized piece) |
| Tomato purée | 2 tbsp |
| Red kidney beans (can) | 410g |
| Boiled long grain rice | To serve |
| Soured cream | To serve |
Pro tip: For prep efficiency, use a quality chef’s knife and cutting board.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Vegetables
Dice the onion and pepper; finely chop the garlic.
2. Sauté the Base
Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Cook onion 5 minutes, until softened.
3. Add Spices and Veggies
Stir in garlic, pepper, chili powder, paprika, and cumin. Cook 5 more minutes, stirring often.
4. Brown the Meat
Increase heat; add beef, breaking up with a spoon. Sauté until fully browned.
5. Simmer with Sauce
Mix beef stock cube into 300ml hot water; stir into pan with tomatoes, marjoram, sugar, tomato purée, salt, and pepper.
6. Simmer and Stir
Bring to boil; cover and reduce to a gentle simmer for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally.
7. Add Beans & Final Simmer
Stir in the drained kidney beans. Simmer uncovered 10 minutes more.
8. Rest & Serve
Let stand covered for 10 minutes. Serve over rice with a dollop of soured cream.
Helpful Kitchen Equipment
These reliable tools will make cooking Chili Con Carne a breeze:
Helpful Cooking Tips
- For extra richness, add a thumbnail of dark chocolate along with the beans.
- Adjust chili powder for less or more heat to taste.
- Meal prep in batches using a food processor for speedy chopping.
FAQ: Chili Con Carne
Can I make Chili Con Carne ahead?
Yes, it tastes even better next day. Store in the fridge up to 3 days.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Let cool, then portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months.
What other toppings work besides soured cream?
Try avocado slices, shredded cheese, or fresh cilantro for variety.
Looking for more easy dinners? Check out other Dinner Ideas Recipes.
If you found this recipe helpful, feel free to check out the kitchen equipment below. Click on any image to view and purchase the product through our Amazon affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Your support helps us keep Deliciousavors.com running and bringing you great recipes!
PrintHearty Chili Con Carne Recipe in 45 Minutes : Easy Family Meal Idea!
A hearty and flavorful Chili Con Carne made with lean minced beef, beans, and bold spices. Quick, budget-friendly, and perfect for any family dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
1 large onion, diced
1 red pepper, chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tbsp oil
1 heaped tsp hot chili powder (or 1 level tbsp mild)
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
500g lean minced beef
1 beef stock cube
400g can chopped tomatoes
½ tsp dried marjoram
1 tsp sugar (or thumbnail-sized piece of dark chocolate)
2 tbsp tomato purée
410g can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Boiled long grain rice, to serve
Soured cream, to serve
Instructions
1. Dice the onion and chop the red pepper. Finely chop the garlic cloves.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onion and cook 5 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic, pepper, chili powder, paprika, and cumin. Cook 5 minutes.
4. Increase heat. Add beef and brown thoroughly, breaking apart any lumps.
5. Mix stock cube with 300ml hot water. Add to pan with tomatoes, marjoram, sugar, tomato purée, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Add drained kidney beans. Simmer uncovered 10 minutes more.
8. Let chili rest, covered, 10 minutes before serving. Serve with rice and soured cream.
Notes
Add dark chocolate with the beans for extra richness. Adjust spice level to taste. Leftovers freeze well for meal prep.