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Chili con Carne Recipe

Featured in Family-Favorite Main Dishes.

Classic chili con carne with ground beef, beans and corn. The spiciness can be individually adjusted. Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for 4 servings.
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Rehan Magic House Recipes
Updated on Sat, 05 Apr 2025 07:26:28 GMT
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Chili con Carne Recipe - Quick and Easy | magichouserecipes.com

A hearty Chili con Carne combines spicy ground beef with creamy tomatoes and beans into a flavorful stew. The perfect balance of heat and spice makes this dish a popular classic that delights both in everyday life and at celebrations.

When I cooked this recipe for the first time at a garden party, everyone was delighted by the perfect balance between spice and heat.

Our Flavor Treasures

  • Ground beef: Should not be too lean for more flavor.
  • Strained tomatoes: Form the velvety base.
  • Kidney beans: Provide creamy texture.
  • Tomato paste: Gives intense roasted flavors.
  • Corn: Brings a light sweetness.
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Chili con Carne – Quick, Simple and Spicy | magichouserecipes.com

The Art of Perfect Chili

Creating the base:
Finely dice onions and garlic. Brown the ground beef at high heat until crumbly, adding salt. Briefly toast tomato paste and spices.
Developing flavors:
Dice bell peppers and sauté. Pour in the strained tomatoes and stir in the spices. Add the beans later.

Finishing

Let everything simmer for 20-25 minutes. Adjust the consistency with a little broth or by cooking longer, as desired.

In my family, the version with a hint of cinnamon and dark chocolate is particularly popular. This combination is reminiscent of the original Mexican cuisine.

Combine Accompaniments

Serve with crispy baguette. Top with nachos and melted cheese. Pour over rice and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.

Create Variations

Experiment with different types of beans. Add sweet potatoes for more sweetness. Use soy ground meat or lentils for a vegetarian version.

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Chili con Carne – Super Quick and Hearty Delicious | magichouserecipes.com

Optimize Storage

In airtight containers up to four days in the refrigerator. Frozen in portions, it keeps up to three months. When reheating, you may need to add a little broth.

After many experiments, this version has proven to be the perfect balance between authenticity and quick preparation. The combination of various spices and the right cooking technique make it a reliable recipe for every occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How spicy is the chili?
The basic version is mild to medium spicy. The heat can be individually adjusted with cayenne pepper, fresh chili peppers or hot sauce.
→ Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, replace the ground beef with soy granules or additional beans. Diced zucchini also works well.
→ How long does the chili keep?
In the refrigerator for 2-3 days. It tastes even better reheated as the flavors intensify.
→ What can I serve with it?
Classically with rice, tortillas or bread. Sour cream, grated cheese or guacamole work well as toppings.
→ Can I freeze the chili?
Yes, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw slowly before serving and heat thoroughly.

Quick Chili con Carne

Spicy chili con carne with ground beef, kidney beans and corn. A quick recipe for everyday or party.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Reham

Category: Main Courses

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main ingredients

01 1 pound (500g) ground beef (or half beef/half pork blend)
02 28 oz (800g) crushed tomatoes
03 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained (about 250g drained weight)
04 1 can (8 oz) corn kernels, drained (about 140g drained weight)

→ Vegetables and aromatics

05 1-2 red bell peppers (about 250-300g)
06 1 large garlic clove
07 1 medium yellow onion
08 3 tablespoons (50g) tomato paste

→ Seasonings and oil

09 1-2 teaspoons sweet paprika powder
10 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
11 2 tablespoons olive oil
12 Pinch of sugar
13 Salt to taste

→ For serving (optional)

14 Hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
15 Dollop of crème fraîche or sour cream

Instructions

Step 01

Peel and finely dice the onion and garlic. Wash the bell peppers, remove the seeds and stem, and cut into small cubes. Drain and rinse the beans and corn kernels in a colander.

Step 02

Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Season with a pinch of salt.

Step 03

Add the paprika powder and tomato paste to the meat mixture and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. This helps bloom the spices and deepen the flavors. Add the diced bell peppers and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 04

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then add the drained beans and corn. Season with cayenne pepper, additional salt if needed, and a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Cover and let simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens and the flavors meld together.

Notes

  1. You can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or less cayenne pepper or serving with hot sauce on the side.
  2. For deeper, more complex flavor, consider adding optional spices like ground cumin, a pinch of cinnamon, or even a teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet with high sides or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Lid for your cooking pot

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 32 g