Chili Con Carne Recipe
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
3 hrs
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Total Time
3 hrs 15 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
434 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Soup
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Cuisine
American
Chili Con Carne Recipe
Description
The Chili Con Carne Recipe centers around slow-cooked chuck roast cut into cubes and browned for a flavorful base. Its signature sauce is crafted by toasting and soaking dried guajillo and ancho chiles, then pureeing them with soaking liquid and salt to create a smooth chili sauce. This sauce is enriched with a blend of spices including paprika, Mexican oregano, cumin, and coriander, which develop their flavors during simmering.
The method involves deglazing the pot after searing the meat, sautéing jalapeno, onion, and garlic to build layers of flavor before returning meat and chili sauce to the pot with beef stock or tomato alternatives. The long cooking melds the rich, smoky chili flavors into a tender, juicy chili perfect for hearty meals.
Traditionally served with garnishes such as crema or sour cream, shredded cheese, fresh herbs, and additional chili flakes or chopped chiles, this chili can be customized for spice and richness. It stands well as a filling main, served alongside rice or cornbread.
The recipe notes suggest it yields 6-8 servings and that toppings like fresh cilantro and spicy flakes complement its bold profile.
Ingredients
FOR THE CHILI SAUCE
- 4 guajillo pepper or use 1-1.5 tbsp ground guajillo powder or chili powder blend
- 4 ancho peppers (or use 1-1.5 tbsp ground ancho powder or chili powder blend)
- salt to taste
FOR THE CHILI
- 3.5-4 pound chuck roast cut into ¾-1 inch cubes
- 1-2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon Mexican oregano
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 jalapeno pepper chopped
- 1 onion chopped, large
- 5 cloves garlic chopped
- 2-4 cups beef stock (or use tomato sauce or fire roasted tomatoes)
- OPTIONAL ADDITIONS Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, chili or kidney beans, extra spicy chili powders
- For serving Crema or sour cream, fresh chopped herbs, spicy chili flakes or chopped chiles, shredded cheese – all your favorite chili fixins. I served mine with spicy chili flakes and fresh chopped cilantro.
Instructions
- Make your chili sauce. Remove the stems and sees from the dried guajillo and ancho peppers, then lightly toast in a dry pan about a minute or 2 per side. This will help to release the oils.
- Soak the peppers in very hot water for 20 minutes in a heat proof bowl, or until they are nice and soft.
- Add the softened peppers to a food processor with 1/2 cup of the soaking water (or use fresh water) and a bit of salt to taste. Process until smooth. Strain if desired. Set aside for now.
- Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven to medium heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then sear the beef in batches to brown them, a few minutes per side. Set the beef aside onto a plate.
- Add 1/4 cup of the beef stock to deglaze the pot, and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom.
- Add the jalapenos and onion. Cook them for 6-7 minutes to soften.
- Add the garlic and stir. Cook another minute.
- Pour in the reserved chili sauce and the seasonings, and stir. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring a bit, to let the flavor develop.
- Stir in the remaining beef broth (or tomato sauce) and reserved beef. Bring to a boil. If you’d prefer a soupier chili, add in 4 cups of beef broth. If you are using the optional additions/beans, add them in now.
- Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for about 2 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
- Serve with your favorite fixins!
Notes
- This recipe makes enough chili to serve 6 to 8 people, ideal for family meals or small gatherings.
- Guajillo and ancho peppers can be substituted with equivalent ground chili powders if needed, keeping in mind this may alter flavor nuances.
- Optional ingredients such as Worcestershire sauce or beans can be added to vary texture and richness according to preference.
- Use fresh chopped cilantro and spicy chili flakes as garnish to enhance the dish before serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 434 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 434kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 9g | 3% |
| Protein | 40g | 80% |
| Fat | 26g | 40% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 136mg | 45% |
| Sodium | 286mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 941mg | 20% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 1865IU | 37% |
| Vitamin C | 7.4mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 68mg | 7% |
| Iron | 5.4mg | 30% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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