Cath's Chili Con Carne

Warm up with the hearty, flavor-packed comfort of Cath's Chili Con Carne, a crowd-pleasing classic that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or game day gatherings. This one-pot wonder combines tender ground beef, a medley of kidney and black beans, and vibrant red and green bell peppers in a rich, spiced tomato base. Infused with bold seasonings like chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin, it strikes the perfect balance of savory and mildly smoky, with an optional cayenne kick for heat lovers. Slow-simmered to perfection, this chili boasts a mouthwatering depth of flavor and is ready to serve in just under two hours. Top it off with fresh cilantro, cool sour cream, or melty cheddar cheese, and pair with crusty bread or fluffy rice for a complete, satisfying meal. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this easy chili con carne recipe is a must-have in your comfort food repertoire!

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:110 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef (85/15 lean-to-fat ratio)
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 28 ounces diced tomatoes (canned, with juices)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 15 ounces kidney beans (canned, drained and rinsed)
• 15 ounces black beans (canned, drained and rinsed)
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• 0 as needed sour cream (optional, for topping)
• 0 as needed shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the olive oil.

Step 2

Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 5

Add the diced red and green bell peppers to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 6

Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the beef and vegetables with the spices.

Step 7

Add the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir to combine.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the chili cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 9

After 30 minutes, add the drained and rinsed kidney beans and black beans to the pot. Stir well and continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 10

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or spices to your preference.

Step 11

Serve the chili hot in bowls, garnished with fresh cilantro. Optionally, top with sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese for added richness.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2897.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2742.1

Total Fat 127.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 46.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 407.9mg	0%
Sodium 6789.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 228.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 71.5g	0%
Total Sugars 47.9g
Protein 169.8g	0%

Vitamin D 6IU	0%
Calcium 927.8mg	0%
Iron 38.4mg	0%
Potassium 6569.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.9%

Protein: 24.8%

Carbs: 33.3%