Chili con carne is a hearty, flavorful dish that has a way of warming you up from the inside out. This Old Fashioned Chili Con Carne recipe is a classic, packed with savory beef, aromatic spices, and the perfect balance of heat and richness.
With a rich, slightly smoky flavor from cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, this chili will surely satisfy your hunger. It’s a great choice for a cozy dinner, and the leftovers are even better the next day!
1. Old Fashioned Chili Con Carne Recipe ( For 5 Servings )
Ingredients
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 pounds ground beef
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1 large onion, chopped
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4 cloves garlic, chopped
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2 tablespoons ground cumin
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2 tablespoons dried oregano
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2 teaspoons smoked paprika
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½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (plus more if you prefer extra heat)
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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28 oz can crushed tomatoes
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½ cup beef stock
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14.5 oz can kidney beans, drained
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Salt and pepper to taste
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A good handful of fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Base: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, and let it brown for about 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked through. Remove any excess grease if necessary.
Add Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot with the beef. Stir frequently, cooking for 3-5 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. The garlic should be fragrant and aromatic by this point.
Spice It Up: Add the ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Stir everything together for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to release their full flavor and coat the beef and onions evenly.
Incorporate the Tomatoes and Stock: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute, letting it deepen in color and blend with the spices. Then, add the crushed tomatoes and beef stock to the pot, stirring everything together. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Simmer and Season: Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes to an hour. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. During this time, the flavors will meld together and the chili will thicken.
Add the Beans: Once the chili has simmered, add the drained kidney beans and stir to combine. Let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the beans are heated through.
Final Seasoning: Taste the chili and add salt and pepper as needed. Adjust the cayenne pepper if you want it spicier. If the chili is too thick, add a little more beef stock or water to reach your desired consistency.
Garnish and Serve: Once the chili is ready, serve it hot. Garnish each bowl with a handful of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
2. Tips for Perfect Old Fashioned Chili Con Carne
Choose Good Quality Beef: The beef is the star of the dish, so choosing high-quality ground beef is essential for a rich flavor. Opt for 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of lean meat and fat.
Adjust the Spice Level: The beauty of chili is that it’s customizable. If you like your chili on the milder side, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper. For more heat, add extra cayenne or even some finely chopped jalapeños for a fresh, fiery kick.
Let It Simmer Low and Slow: The longer the chili simmers, the better the flavors meld. It’s tempting to rush the cooking process, but giving it extra time on low heat allows the spices to develop and deepen, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
Beans Are Optional: If you prefer a meatier chili, feel free to omit the beans, or substitute with a different type of bean like black beans or pinto beans. Some purists prefer their chili without beans, while others love the added texture.
Don’t Skip the Garnish: A fresh herb garnish, such as parsley or cilantro, adds a lovely contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the chili. A dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese can also add a creamy finish to each bowl.
3. What to Eat with Chili Con Carne
Chili con carne is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can take it to the next level. Here are some great options to serve alongside your chili:
Cornbread: Soft, buttery cornbread complements the rich flavors of the chili. Whether served in squares or as cornbread muffins, it’s the perfect side for dipping into that thick, savory sauce.
Rice: Serve your chili over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice. The rice will soak up the chili’s delicious juices, making each bite more satisfying.
Tortilla Chips: A crunchy side, such as tortilla chips, adds a nice texture contrast. Plus, they are great for scooping up the chili or adding a bit of crunch on top.
Grilled Vegetables: A side of grilled corn or roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini offers a fresh, smoky flavor that balances the heaviness of the chili.
Avocado or Guacamole: For a creamy, cool element to offset the spice, add slices of ripe avocado or a scoop of guacamole on top of your chili.
4. How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Chili con carne stores exceptionally well and tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld.
Storing: Once the chili has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. If you’d like to store it for a longer period, chili freezes beautifully. Just portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure it heats evenly. If the chili has thickened too much, add a splash of beef stock or water to reach your desired consistency. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
This Old Fashioned Chili Con Carne recipe has been a favorite in my household for years. The blend of spices, the hearty beef, and the warmth it provides make it perfect for chilly nights.
Personally, I enjoy it spicier, so I always throw in a little extra cayenne or add a few jalapeños to boost the heat. Chili has that magic ability to fill your home with savory aromas and bring people together around the dinner table.
