Hearty Lodge-Style Chili Con Carne
Indulge in the robust flavors of our Hearty Lodge-Style Chili Con Carne, a perfect dish for cozy gatherings and chilly evenings. This slow-cooked, savory chili combines tender ground beef, zesty tomatoes, and protein-packed pinto beans, all simmered together with an aromatic blend of spices and a splash of beer for depth. Easy to prepare in a crock pot, it allows you to enjoy homemade comfort food without fuss. Whether served with cornbread or over rice, this chili is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Gather around the table and enjoy a classic dish that promises to bring everyone together.
6
Servings
300
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pinto beans
2 (cans (15 ounces each), drained and rinsed)
Diced Rotel tomatoes & chilies
1 (can (10 ounces))
Medium onion
1 (diced)
Beer
1 (can (12 ounces))
Ground chuck
1 (pound)
Chili powder
3 (tablespoons (adjust as desired))
Cumin
1 (teaspoon)
Instructions
1
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground chuck and diced onion until meat is fully cooked and the onion is translucent. Drain excess fat.
2
Transfer the cooked meat and onions to a large crock pot.
3
Add the pinto beans (drained and rinsed), diced Rotel tomatoes & chilies, beer, chili powder, and cumin to the crock pot.
4
Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients and ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
5
Cover and cook on low for 12 to 24 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally if possible.
6
Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning, adding more chili powder if a spicier flavor is desired.
Nutrition Information
10 g
Fat
40 g
Carbs
16.7 g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Lodge-Style Chili Con Carne?
It is a robust and savory slow-cooked chili featuring ground beef, pinto beans, zesty tomatoes, and beer for added depth.
How long does this chili need to cook in the crock pot?
For the best flavor melding, the chili should be covered and cooked on low for 12 to 24 hours.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of ground chuck.
Do I need to brown the meat before putting it in the slow cooker?
Yes, you should brown the ground chuck and diced onion in a skillet and drain the excess fat before adding it to the crock pot.
How many servings does this chili recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to provide 6 servings.
What kind of beans are used in this chili?
The recipe uses two 15-ounce cans of pinto beans.
Should the pinto beans be drained?
Yes, the pinto beans should be drained and rinsed before being added to the crock pot.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
Is there alcohol in the recipe?
The recipe includes one 12-ounce can of beer to add depth to the flavor profile.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, you can adjust the spice by adding more or less than the recommended 3 tablespoons of chili powder.
What are Rotel tomatoes?
Rotel is a brand of canned diced tomatoes and green chilies that adds a zesty flavor to the dish.
What size can of Rotel is required?
One 10-ounce can of diced Rotel tomatoes and chilies is used.
How much protein is in a serving?
There are 16.7 grams of protein per serving.
What spices are needed for this chili?
The main spices used are chili powder and cumin.
How much fat is in each serving?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I substitute the ground chuck?
While ground chuck is recommended, you can use other ground meats like turkey or chicken if preferred.
What should I serve with Hearty Lodge-Style Chili?
It is delicious when served with cornbread or over a bed of rice.
Is this recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, it is considered an easy crock pot recipe that requires minimal active prep time.
Should I stir the chili while it cooks?
It is recommended to stir thoroughly at the start and occasionally during the cooking process if possible.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe calls for one medium onion, diced.
Can I use dry beans instead of canned?
This recipe specifies canned pinto beans for convenience, but you could use cooked dry beans as long as they are prepared beforehand.
Can I make this chili without beer?
Yes, you can substitute the beer with beef broth or extra tomato juice if you prefer an alcohol-free version.
What makes this 'Lodge-Style'?
The name refers to its hearty, rustic nature and the long slow-cooking process that creates deep flavors.
Is this chili suitable for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, because it is made in a crock pot, you can set it to cook and have it ready for a cozy weeknight meal.
How much cumin is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for one teaspoon of cumin.
Can I add other vegetables to the chili?
While not in the original recipe, you can certainly add bell peppers or celery for extra texture and nutrition.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a zesty kick from the Rotel and chili powder, but it is generally considered a balanced, hearty meal.
How do I know when the chili is done?
After 12-24 hours on low, the flavors will be well-blended and the chili will be hot and savory.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, chili con carne freezes very well in airtight containers for future easy meals.