Speedy Savory Chili Con Carne
This Speedy Savory Chili Con Carne is an effortless yet flavorful dish, inspired by the cherished Mennonite Country-Style Recipes. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this chili is designed to be made in a flash. With a rich blend of spices, tender ground beef, and hearty beans, it delivers mouthwatering taste and satisfaction. You can prepare it ahead of time and keep it warm in a crockpot, making it an ideal choice for potlucks or family dinners. Top it off with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and crispy corn chips for a delightful finishing touch. Serve this dish with warmth and love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (optional)
ground beef
1 lb (sautéed)
medium onion
1 (chopped)
medium green pepper
1 (chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
tomato sauce
16 ounces (canned)
diced tomatoes and green chilies
16 ounces (canned)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon
chili powder
2 teaspoons
crushed oregano leaves
1 teaspoon
salt
1 teaspoon
pepper
1 teaspoon
sugar
1/4 cup (or to taste)
red chili beans
16 ounces (canned, undrained)
kidney beans
16 ounces (canned, drained)
Instructions
1
In a Dutch oven over medium heat, add the vegetable oil if desired, and sauté the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
2
Add the chopped onion, green pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
3
Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilies, cayenne pepper, chili powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar. Mix well to combine.
4
Cover the pot and simmer on low for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a small amount of water, starting with less than 1/4 cup.
5
Taste the chili and adjust sweetness with more sugar, if desired.
6
After 20 minutes, stir in the undrained red chili beans and drained kidney beans. Allow everything to heat through for an additional 5 minutes.
7
If preparing ahead of time, transfer the chili to a crockpot on the lowest setting to keep warm. It can also be allowed to cool and refrigerated for reheating the next day.
8
Serve the chili hot, and garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, and corn chips if desired!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Speedy Savory Chili Con Carne?
It is an effortless and flavorful dish inspired by Mennonite Country-Style Recipes, designed to be prepared quickly for weeknights or gatherings.
What is the primary protein used in this recipe?
The primary protein used is one pound of ground beef.
Is vegetable oil required for this recipe?
Two tablespoons of vegetable oil are listed as optional for sautéing the ground beef.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 3 minced garlic cloves.
What types of beans are used?
The recipe uses 16 ounces of red chili beans and 16 ounces of kidney beans.
Should the red chili beans be drained?
No, the red chili beans should be added undrained.
Should the kidney beans be drained?
Yes, the kidney beans should be drained before being added to the pot.
What kind of tomatoes are used?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of canned diced tomatoes with green chilies.
How much sugar is in the chili?
The recipe includes 1/4 cup of sugar, though it can be adjusted to taste.
Is this chili spicy?
It contains mild to moderate heat from 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 2 teaspoons of chili powder, and canned green chilies.
How long should the vegetables be cooked?
The chopped onion, green pepper, and garlic should be cooked for 5-7 minutes until softened.
What is the simmering time for the chili?
The chili should simmer covered on low heat for 20 minutes before adding the beans.
What should I do if the chili becomes too thick?
If the mixture is too thick, add a small amount of water, starting with less than 1/4 cup.
Can I prepare this dish in a crockpot?
While it is started in a Dutch oven, you can transfer it to a crockpot on the lowest setting to keep it warm.
What are the recommended toppings?
The chili is best served with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and crispy corn chips.
Can this chili be made ahead of time?
Yes, it can be refrigerated and reheated the next day, which often improves the flavors.
What type of pot is best for cooking this?
A Dutch oven is recommended for cooking this chili over medium heat.
How much tomato sauce is required?
The recipe requires 16 ounces of canned tomato sauce.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of crushed oregano leaves.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper.
At what point are the beans added?
The beans are added after the initial 20-minute simmer and heated through for an additional 5 minutes.
Is the green pepper chopped or sliced?
One medium green pepper should be chopped for this recipe.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the chili?
Yes, you can taste the chili after simmering and adjust the sweetness with more sugar if desired.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 15 ingredients in total.
Is the onion medium or large?
The recipe specifies one medium onion, chopped.
What is the heat level for simmering?
The chili should be simmered on a low heat setting.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Yes, because it can be kept warm in a crockpot, it is ideal for potlucks or family dinners.
How do I brown the meat?
Sauté the ground beef in the pot until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Is the cayenne pepper optional?
The recipe lists 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper as a standard ingredient for the spice blend.
What is the total time for the final heating step?
The final step involves heating the beans through for 5 minutes.