Savory Southwest Chili Con Carne
Experience the bold and rich flavors of the Southwest with this award-winning chili con carne recipe that's been cherished in my family for generations. This dish strikes the perfect balance between a zesty kick and comforting warmth, making it an ideal meal for chilly nights or festive gatherings. The combination of lean ground beef, hearty kidney beans, and a thoughtfully blended mix of spices creates a thick, satisfying stew that will warm your soul. Serve it with crusty bread or salty crackers for a delightful experience your guests will rave about!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Beef
1 lb (crushed)
Butter
3 tablespoons (melted)
Onions
1 1/4 cups (minced)
Kidney Beans
2 1/2 cups (undrained)
Condensed Tomato Soup
1 1/3 cups (none)
Chili Powder
1 1/2-2 tablespoons (to taste)
Flour
1 tablespoon (none)
Water
3 tablespoons (none)
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced onions and sauté until they are translucent.
2
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through.
3
Stir in the undrained kidney beans and condensed tomato soup, mixing well. Allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
4
In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, flour, water, and salt. Mix until a smooth paste forms, then blend this paste into the beef and bean mixture.
5
Increase the heat and bring the chili to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring frequently. Adjust the chili powder to suit your spice preference if desired.
6
Serve the chili hot, garnished with your favorite toppings, and enjoy with crackers or warm bread.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Southwest Chili Con Carne?
It is a bold and rich Southwest-style chili made with ground beef, kidney beans, and a blend of spices, known for its balance of zesty kick and comforting warmth.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
What type of meat is used in this chili?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of ground beef.
Should I drain the kidney beans?
No, the kidney beans should be added undrained to help create the base of the chili.
What are the primary ingredients in the spice paste?
The spice paste is made by combining chili powder, flour, water, and salt.
How long should the chili simmer after adding the thickening paste?
After the paste is added and the chili is brought to a boil, it should simmer on low heat for 45 minutes.
What is the recommended way to prepare the onions?
The onions should be minced and sautéed in butter until they are translucent.
Can I adjust the spice level of this chili?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of chili powder (between 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons) to suit your personal preference.
What serves as the liquid base for this recipe?
The liquid base consists of condensed tomato soup, the liquid from the undrained kidney beans, and a small amount of water used in the thickening paste.
Is this an award-winning recipe?
Yes, this recipe is described as an award-winning family favorite cherished for generations.
What should I serve with Savory Southwest Chili Con Carne?
It is best served with crusty bread, warm bread, or salty crackers.
How much butter is needed for sautéing?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of melted butter.
Does this recipe include any flour?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of flour is used in the spice paste to help thicken the stew.
How often should I stir the chili while it simmers?
You should stir the chili frequently during the 45-minute simmering process to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Should the pot be covered during the final simmer?
Yes, once the heat is reduced to low, you should cover the pot for the final 45-minute simmer.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt.
How many total ingredients are used?
There are 9 ingredients: ground beef, butter, onions, kidney beans, tomato soup, chili powder, flour, water, and salt.
How do I brown the beef correctly?
Add the ground beef to the sautéed onions and break it apart with a spoon, cooking until it is fully browned through.
What type of tomato soup is used?
The recipe specifies 1 1/3 cups of condensed tomato soup.
What category of food does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as comfort food, hearty stew, and Southwest-style chili.
Can I use this recipe for festive gatherings?
Absolutely, it is noted as an ideal meal for both chilly nights and festive gatherings.
What is the preparation method for the ground beef?
The ground beef should be crushed/broken apart while cooking.
How much kidney beans are used?
The recipe requires 2 1/2 cups of kidney beans.
What is the total preparation time for the first simmer?
After stirring in the beans and soup, you allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 10 minutes before adding the spice paste.
Is this chili thick or thin?
It is described as a thick, satisfying stew thanks to the flour-based spice paste.
What heat setting should be used to melt the butter?
The butter should be melted over medium heat.
What are the recommended garnishes?
The recipe suggests serving with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese or sour cream.
How much minced onion is needed?
You will need 1 1/4 cups of minced onions.
Does this recipe contain any special tags for searching?
Common tags for this recipe include chili, southwest, beef, and comfort food.
Is the recipe easy to follow for beginners?
Yes, with just six clear steps involving browning, mixing, and simmering, it is accessible for most home cooks.