Ultimate Chili Con Queso
Dive into the rich and hearty flavors of this Ultimate Chili Con Queso, inspired by Jane Butel's Chili Madness cookbook. A harmonious blend of two types of beef, robust spices, and the secret ingredient - creamy Monterey Jack cheese - come together to create an unforgettable chili experience. Perfect for chilly evenings or game day gatherings, this one-dish meal is sure to please everyone at the table. Serve it alongside fluffy cornbread and top with sour cream and shredded cheddar for a complete culinary delight!
6
Servings
300
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Suet or Cooking Oil
1/4 lb or 1/4 cup (Melt or heat in pot)
Beef Round Steak
1 lb (Coarse chili grind)
Beef Chuck
1 lb (Coarse chili grind)
Tomato Sauce
8 ounces (Canned)
Beer
12 ounces (Any kind)
Crushed Red Chili Peppers
2 tablespoons (Adjust for desired heat)
Garlic
2 medium cloves (Minced)
Onion
1 small (Finely chopped)
Dried Oregano
1 1/4 teaspoons (Preferably Mexican)
Paprika
1/2 teaspoon
Ground Cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons
Salt
1 1/4 teaspoons
Cayenne Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (Optional, for adjusted heat)
Monterey Jack Cheese
3/4 lb (Grated)
Instructions
1
In a heavy 3-quart (or larger) pot, melt the suet or heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat.
2
Once hot, crumble the beef round steak and beef chuck into the pot, breaking up any lumps with a fork. Cook until the meat is evenly browned, stirring occasionally.
3
Stir in the tomato sauce, beer, crushed red chili peppers, minced garlic, chopped onion, dried oregano, paprika, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and salt. Mix well and bring the mixture to a boil.
4
Reduce the heat and let the chili simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5
After the first hour, taste your chili and adjust the seasonings, incorporating cayenne pepper as desired for heat.
6
Allow the chili to simmer uncovered for an additional hour, continuing to stir occasionally.
7
In the final half hour, stir in the grated Monterey Jack cheese and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of cumin. Simmer while stirring frequently to keep the cheese from burning.
8
Serve hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, with warm cornbread on the side.
Nutrition Information
16.7g
Fat
10g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Ultimate Chili Con Queso.
Who inspired this chili recipe?
This recipe was inspired by Jane Butel's Chili Madness cookbook.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
What are the two types of beef used in this chili?
The recipe uses 1 lb of beef round steak and 1 lb of beef chuck.
What is the recommended beef grind for this recipe?
A coarse chili grind is recommended for both the beef round steak and the beef chuck.
What type of cheese is melted into the chili?
3/4 lb of Monterey Jack cheese is stirred into the chili during the final half hour of cooking.
Can I use cooking oil instead of suet?
Yes, you can use 1/4 cup of cooking oil instead of 1/4 lb of suet.
How much beer is required for the recipe?
The recipe requires 12 ounces of beer of any kind.
What is the total simmering time for this chili?
The chili simmers for a total of 2 hours uncovered.
When should the Monterey Jack cheese be added?
The cheese should be stirred in during the final 30 minutes of simmering.
What are the nutritional values for one serving?
Each serving contains 300 calories, 16.7g of fat, 10g of carbohydrates, and 25g of protein.
What kind of oregano is preferred for this chili?
Mexican dried oregano is the preferred choice for this recipe.
How many cloves of garlic are needed?
You will need 2 medium cloves of garlic, minced.
What size pot should be used?
A heavy 3-quart or larger pot is recommended.
What are the suggested garnishes for serving?
The chili should be garnished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.
What side dish is recommended to serve with this chili?
Warm, fluffy cornbread is recommended as a side dish.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
Yes, it includes crushed red chili peppers and optional cayenne pepper to adjust the heat level.
When should I adjust the seasonings for heat?
You should taste and adjust seasonings, including adding cayenne pepper, after the first hour of simmering.
How much tomato sauce is used?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of canned tomato sauce.
Why must the chili be stirred frequently in the final half hour?
Frequent stirring is necessary once the cheese is added to prevent it from burning.
What is the total amount of cumin used?
A total of 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cumin is used, divided into 1 teaspoon at the start and 1/2 teaspoon at the end.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 ingredients in this recipe.
What type of onion is required?
One small onion, finely chopped, is required.
How much salt should be added?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 teaspoons of salt.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include chili, one dish meal, comfort food, spicy, beef, and game day.
Is this a good meal for game day?
Yes, the description highlights it as a perfect meal for game day gatherings.
What amount of crushed red chili peppers is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of crushed red chili peppers.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to melt the suet or heat the cooking oil in a heavy 3-quart pot over medium-high heat.
Does the recipe contain fiber or sugar information?
No, the fiber and sugar content for this recipe are not provided.
How much paprika is included?
The recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of paprika.