Savory Spiced Chili Con Carne with Beans
Enjoy a hearty and flavorful Chili Con Carne with Beans, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. This quick and easy recipe combines ground beef, kidney beans, and aromatic spices simmered to perfection in a rich tomato sauce. Serve it up with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for a delightful and satisfying meal. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, this dish will warm your heart and feed your family with minimal effort.
4
Servings
200
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
oil
2 tablespoons (for cooking)
garlic clove
1/2 (minced)
ground beef
1 pound (fresh)
kidney beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
tomato sauce
2 (8 ounce) cans (canned)
chili powder
1-2 teaspoons (to taste)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.
2
Add the minced garlic and chopped onion; sauté until the onion is translucent.
3
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, stirring frequently.
4
Once the beef is browned, pour off any excess fat.
5
Stir in the kidney beans (with their liquid), tomato sauce, salt, and chili powder. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
6
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat. Stir occasionally and let it cook for about 20–30 minutes, or until the chili thickens to your desired consistency.
7
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
15g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to cook this Chili Con Carne?
The chili needs to simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes after browning the meat and combining ingredients, making the total time approximately 40 minutes.
Can I substitute ground beef with another meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork, although it may slightly change the flavor and fat content.
What are the best toppings for this chili?
Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or avocado.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
Is this chili recipe spicy?
The recipe calls for 1-2 teaspoons of chili powder, making it mildly spicy. You can adjust the amount to suit your personal heat preference.
Can I freeze leftover chili?
Yes, chili freezes very well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months for best quality.
Should I drain and rinse the kidney beans?
The recipe specifically mentions using the kidney beans with their liquid to help create a rich sauce, but if you prefer less sodium, you can drain and rinse them.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the beef, onion, and garlic first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
What if I don't have tomato sauce?
You can use crushed tomatoes or tomato purée as a substitute for the tomato sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The core ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on your canned beans and tomato sauce to ensure no additives contain gluten.
How do I thicken the chili?
If you want a thicker consistency, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer or mash a few of the kidney beans against the side of the pan.
Can I use dry beans instead of canned?
Yes, but you must soak and fully cook the dry beans before adding them to the chili recipe.
What type of oil should I use for sautéing?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or olive oil are all suitable options for sautéing the garlic and onion.
How much protein is in this dish?
There is approximately 12.5g of protein per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Chili often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.
What can I serve as a side dish?
Cornbread, rice, or a simple green salad pair perfectly with this savory chili.
Can I add other vegetables to this chili?
Yes, chopped bell peppers, corn, or diced carrots are great additions that add extra nutrients and texture.
Why do I need to drain the excess fat from the beef?
Draining the fat prevents the chili from becoming too greasy and helps keep the calorie count lower.
What if the chili is too acidic?
If the tomato sauce makes the chili taste too acidic, you can add a small pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, you can use about 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder to replace the 1/2 clove of fresh garlic.
How much fat is in one serving?
There is approximately 10g of fat per serving.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is very easy to double if you are feeding a larger group or want extra leftovers.
What size can of kidney beans is required?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of kidney beans.
What type of onion should I use?
Yellow or white onions work best for their balanced flavor, but red onions can be used for a slightly sharper taste.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or extra beans and vegetables.
How much salt is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of salt, but you should adjust this to your taste.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are approximately 15g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this chili contain dairy?
The base recipe is dairy-free, but it is often served with dairy toppings like cheese and sour cream.
How long can I store this in the refrigerator?
Leftover chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.