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Chili Con Carne

ByFiona Hours
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I’m a sharing a delicious chili con carne recipe on the blog today. It’s a perfect dinner that will be sure to warm you up on those cold winter nights.

Chili con carne recipe served in a bowl, topped with shredded cheddar cheese and avocado slices, with a fork resting inside the bowl.

There’s nothing quite like a warm, cozy meal on a chilly winter day. Chili con carne is always a favorite in my kitchen. It’s one of those classic comfort food recipes that’s hearty, filling, and full of flavor. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep for the week ahead, or a casual get-together with friends, this chili never disappoints. With just a handful of simple ingredients and spices, it comes together easily. Plus, the longer it simmers, the better it tastes.

All of the ingredients for this chili con carne are laid out on a marble countertop. All the ingredients are in bowls.
I pot is on a marble countertop. Inside are the onions, ground beef, and tomatoes. It has all been cooked.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is. While I like to keep things simple with ground beef, beans, and diced tomatoes, you can easily mix things up depending on what you have on hand. Want to add some extra veggies? Corn is a delicious addition. This is one of those forgiving recipes that lets you get creative in the kitchen while still turning out a satisfying meal every single time.

In a pot on a marble counter top is chili con carne partially cooked. On top the beans have been added.
In a grey bowl is a serving of chili con carne.

The key to a really flavorful chili con carne is giving the spices time to cook and blend together with the meat and veggies. I always start by sautéing the onions and garlic first to bring out their sweetness before adding the ground beef. Once the beef is browned, the tomatoes, beans, and spices go in. Then the whole pot simmers away on the stove. I like using a combination of cumin, paprika, and chili powder for that smoky, savory flavor. It’s part of that makes chili so irresistible. If you like a bit of heat, you can add more chili powder or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.

A serving of chili con carne is in a bowl on top of a small wooden cutting board, which is on a marble countertop. It's surrounded by silverware and a bowl of chopped avocado.
A grey bowl contains a serving of chili con carne, topped with a dollop of sour cream, some shredded cheese, and sliced avocado.

This chili is one of those meals that seems to get better the next day. That means it’s perfect for leftovers or meal prep. I like to serve it with a sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a few tortilla chips on the side for crunch. However you serve it, this chili con carne is sure to become a staple recipe in your meal rotation.

A bowl of delicious looking chili con carne is on a small wooden cutting board on top of a marble countertop. There's a spoon in the bowl.
There's a serving of chili con carne in a grey bowl sitting on a small wooded cutting board on top of a marble countertop. There's a form in the foreground, and bowls of sour cream, sliced avocado, and shredded cheese in the background.

The perfect side dish to chili is cornbread. I love this cornbread recipe from Budget Bytes. If you’re looking to add some vegetables to the meal, consider this sweet crunch winter salad recipe. It’s similar to a coleslaw (veggies include broccoli, carrot, and cranberries) and has a sweet dressing.

Print Recipe

Chili Con Carne

This is a hearty chili con carne recipe – a satisfying, protein-packed bowl of goodness perfect for cold winter nights.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: American, Comfort food, Fall, Main course
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 can red beans drained
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 1 onion diced
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/3 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp chili
  • 1/2 tsp cumin

Instructions

  • Fry the chopped onion in olive oil for 3-4 minutes over low heat, stirring with a spatula.
  • Add bell pepper and fry for another 4 minutes, stirring. Then add garlic.
  • Add tomato paste, stir and fry for another 2 minutes.
  • Add ground beef and fry for another 10 minutes, stirring.
  • Pour in the broth and diced tomatoes, stir and bring to a boil.
  • Add tomato paste, sugar, salt and spices. Stir and cook for another 30 minutes.
  • Add beans and stir, cook for another 10 minutes. If there is not enough liquid, add more broth.

Notes

Serve chili with chopped avocado, parsley or cilantro, shredded cheddar or sour cream.

If you’re looking for my other recipes, you can find them on my recipes page. If you’re in the mood for more cozy meals, be sure to check out my slow cooker beef brisket sliders, or try my roasted brussels sprouts for a side dish. For something lighter, my grilled chicken salad with cucumbers and grapes is a refreshing option.

Chili con carne is one of those classic comfort foods that never goes out of style—hearty, flavorful, and so satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe is always a winner. If you give this chili con carne recipe a try, I’d love to hear what you think! Let me know in the comments below or tag me on Instagram @getfitfiona so I can see your chili.

My name is Fiona and I'm a CSEP certified personal trainer, yogi, soccer player, and foodie (baking is my thing) living in Calgary. Thanks for visiting Get Fit Fiona. I hope you enjoy the sneak peek into my life and the workouts and recipes that I share.