A one-pot comfort food, this hearty chili con carne is easy to make and packed with flavour. Prepare a large pot and the weekend and enjoy ready-made meals throughout the week.
Although I prefer preparing mostly vegetarian or vegan food for myself, I often prepare more hearty non-vegan fare for the family, such as this chili con carne. During the cold winter months it’s the perfect comfort food and so easy to prepare.
We prefer our chili simple without many garnishes but we all know that a warm, hearty bowl of chili is always delicious with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar cheese, scallions, sliced avocado…or whichever condiment you prefer!
Chili con carne is one of those one-pot wonders that the whole family can enjoy (even baby) and is the perfect weeknight meal. Double the batch, portion the leftovers into containers and store in the freezer for a quick go-to dinner for the family and enjoy a stress-free weeknight meal.
For babies 10+ months, simply mash finely or purée until smooth. Serve alone or mix with rice or pasta.
Ingredients (Yields about 8 cups-Serves 4-6 adults)
2 tbs. extra virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, halved or finely chopped (I prefer halving them)
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
1 large red pepper, finely diced 1 kg lean ground beef
2 x 28oz cans diced tomatoes
1 x 19oz can black beans (drained, not rinsed)
1 tbs. parsley, freshly chopped (optional)
1 1/2 tsp. dried cumin 1 tsp. paprika 2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. salt (or to taste)
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper (you can always add more after removing the kids’ portions!)
Heat oil in a large saucepan on medium heat for about 2 minutes. Add the garlic, onions, and peppers, and sauté for 5-7 minutes or until translucent.
Add the ground beef, salt, pepper and spices and cook for 12-15 minutes or until no longer pink inside. As the meat cooks, break it up into smaller chunks with a wooden spoon or spatula. Add the tomatoes (with the juice) to the pot and bring chili to a boil on medium high heat. (Don’t forget to remove the garlic halves)
Once boiling, reduce to medium-low and cook uncovered for about 2 hours or until thickened. Add the beans (with the remaining starchy liquid in the can) and continue to cook the chili for another 8-10 minutes. *TIP: The starchy liquid from the beans will help thicken the chili.
Garnish with fresh parsley (to add some freshness to the chili), if desired.
And you there you have it! A one-pot wonder that’s easy to make and an ideal family meal. Set aside the kids’ portions…
I love chili. I will have to try this recipe for dinner one night this week
I absolutely love this type of chili, and eat it often in the wintertime. I like topping it with sour cream and at other times, shredded cheese.
I enjoy chili with black beans. I will occasionally use them instead of red kidney beans. As a matter of fact, all this cold weather makes a pot of chili sound wonderful right now!
I used to make my chili with red kidney beans but now I prefer black beans…maybe because they are smaller and easier for the kids to eat (or for me to hide!?)!
My family calls me a chili fanatic. I am going to have to try this recipe.
I would love some feedback if you try this recipe!
We love chili. Actually, we still have leftovers from the chili that the hubs prepared on Sunday. 🙂
I do a lot of chili this time of year because dry beans are so inexpensive. This sounds amazing.Wish I had some right about now.
I have to say I’m lazy in that sense because I’ve only ever used canned beans when I make chili!
We do a lot of chili around here, it’s fast, tasty and easy to make leftovers for. The day after chili is always goulash day in our house, just add some elbow macaroni and tomato juice and it’s a whole different meal.
Goulash, yum! I usually mix it with some rice or make burritos!
Chili hits the spot for my hubby too. And he likes ALL of the topping you mentioned, lol. I konw he’s like this chili con carne too.
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like chili! lol!
Yum! That looks so delicious. I bet my husband would love this. He is a chili man.
This looks delicious. I’ll have to cook this up sometime for my dad, he is always a fan of chili.
This looks so yummy. I am always looking for another chill recipe. That would be perfect for a cold day like today actually!
Oh my, this looks amazing. I’m a huge fan of chili and with this cold weather, it seems perfect.
My absolute favorite. This looks SO good. I need to try it!
Thank you! Hope you do 😉
This chili looks absolutely delicious. I think I might have to try this soon.
This Chili looks delicious. I will have to try this recipe this weekend.
Oh my – I love your recipe and those yummy photos! I’ve also enjoyed chili on baked potatoes with sour cream! Love it thank you
Ooh, nice! I never thought to smother it on baked potatoes!!
Thanks for the recipe. I too make chili and enjoy it for days.
This seriously looks so good 🙂 I am a huge chili fan! Yum! Pinning for later!
Thanks for sharing!
O.M.G!!! This looks delicious!!! Love all things chili!
This looks amazing! Can’t wait to try it!
This looks so insanely delicious, I have never heard of it before but I would love some!
If you’re a meat lover than you should definitely make this!
I love chili! I really need to try this recipe. I’ve never used greek yogurt or sour cream on chili but it sounds good!
I love a good one pot dish of comfort food myself. I have never thought to put black beans in my chili. Yum!
What type of beans do you use? I always just use whatever bean I have on hand in the pantry.
Your chili con carne looks yummy! We always serve ours with a side of cornbread.
That sounds like a great accompaniment! I sometimes serve the chili over rice and then stuff the leftovers in soft tortilla shells.
Chili con carne with sour cream! Definitely one of my
favorite dishes of all time!
I love chili con carne with sour cream! It’s the perfect
balance for my palate!
I always add plain Greek yogurt since I always have some in the fridge!
I just had my dinner and looking at your chili con carne makes me hungry again. That looks super delicious!
Lol, that’s good to know! Hope you make it for your family!
This looks really good. I think my husband and son would really like it. Thanks for the recipe.
That looks amazing! Definitely perfect for dipping! Yum!
This looks very delicious! I am very partial to my own chili recipe, lol. I am chili picky!
This seriously looks amazing! I love chili and would love to make my own sometime soon!
Thanks! Have never made it yourself before? It really is so easy to make!
One of my favorite things to cook is one pot dishes! This looks easy enough to do and will definitely provide warm, full beliies!
That looks amazing. We love chili in this house, and this recipe is going to go over huge!
Great! I’d love feedback if you make it for the family!
Chili is one of our favorite winter meals. I Love your recipe for it. It’s nice and simple.
It is simple but very flavourful! I don’t eat very spicy food so if you like spicy food you might want to add more cayenne pepper!