Mom's Homemade Chili Con Carne with Beans

Warm, hearty, and packed with bold flavors, Mom’s Homemade Chili Con Carne with Beans is the ultimate comfort food for chilly nights or casual gatherings. This classic recipe combines tender ground beef, two types of hearty beans, and a rich tomato base infused with smoky paprika, chili powder, and a medley of aromatic spices. Cooked low and slow, the ingredients meld together for a perfectly balanced, savory chili that’s both satisfying and easy to make. With just 15 minutes of prep and an hour of cooking, this one-pot wonder is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Customize each bowl with your favorite toppings—think shredded cheese, sour cream, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro—and serve it up with crusty bread or tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing meal. Perfect for fans of homemade chili recipes, comforting beef dinners, and hearty soups and stews!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1.5 pounds ground beef (80% lean)
• 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth
• 15 ounces canned red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 ounces canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 whole bay leaf

Directions

Step 1

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until aromatic.

Step 4

Add the ground beef to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat and cook until browned, about 8–10 minutes. Drain any excess grease if needed.

Step 5

Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook the spices with the beef for 1–2 minutes to enhance their flavor.

Step 6

Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef or chicken broth to the pot. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans and pinto beans to the pot. Stir gently to incorporate.

Step 8

Toss in the bay leaf. Bring the chili to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

Step 9

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to deepen the flavors.

Step 10

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or spices if desired.

Step 11

Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onion, or fresh cilantro.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2903.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3191.5

Total Fat 196.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 65.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 9.5g
Cholesterol 485.5mg	0%
Sodium 7500.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 193.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 67.3g	0%
Total Sugars 38.6g
Protein 170.7g	0%

Vitamin D 42.1IU	0%
Calcium 736.6mg	0%
Iron 37.3mg	0%
Potassium 6457.1mg	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: 54.8%

Protein: 21.2%

Carbs: 24.0%