Ultimate Spicy Chili Con Carne with Beans
This Ultimate Spicy Chili Con Carne with Beans is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender ground beef, creamy kidney beans, and a rich medley of spices. Perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or game nights, this chili boasts a perfect balance of heat and savory goodness. The optional splash of tequila adds a unique depth, making it even more special. Serve with cornbread or over rice for a satisfying meal that will warm your heart and soul. Make it ahead of time—the flavors get better as it sits!
8
Servings
300
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef
1.5 lbs (raw)
Onions
2 medium (diced)
Diced tomatoes
28 ounces (1 can) (canned)
Italian-style tomato paste
6 ounces (1 can) (canned)
Water
1 cup (liquid)
Beef bouillon cube
1 (dissolved)
Dark red kidney beans
40 ounces (1 can) (drained and rinsed)
Green bell pepper
1/2, whole (diced)
Garlic cloves
4 (minced)
Salt
2 teaspoons (to taste)
Oregano
2 teaspoons (dried)
Chili powder
2 teaspoons (spice)
Coriander
1 teaspoon (ground)
Cumin
1 teaspoon (ground)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1.5 teaspoons (spice)
Bay leaf
1 (whole)
Flour
3 tablespoons (for thickening)
Cold water
1/2 cup (liquid)
Tequila
3 tablespoons (optional)
Instructions
1
In a large kettle or pot, combine the ground beef and diced onions over medium heat. Cook until the meat is browned and the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to break up the meat.
2
Drain the excess fat from the pot, ensuring a leaner chili.
3
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, water, and the beef bouillon cube to the pot. Stir until the bouillon is dissolved.
4
Incorporate the dark red kidney beans (drained and rinsed), diced green bell pepper, minced garlic, salt, oregano, chili powder, coriander, cumin, crushed red pepper flakes, and the bay leaf. Stir everything to blend the ingredients thoroughly.
5
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low, allowing the chili to simmer for 1.5 hours. Stir occasionally, ensuring nothing sticks to the bottom.
6
After simmering, mix the flour with the cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the chili while stirring, until the desired thickness is achieved.
7
Remove the bay leaf from the chili before serving.
8
For an extra kick, stir in the optional tequila just before serving. Enjoy with your favorite sides!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
35g
Carbs
18g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this chili recipe?
The main protein used in this recipe is 1.5 lbs of ground beef.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
How long should the chili simmer?
The chili should be covered and allowed to simmer for 1.5 hours on low heat.
What type of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 40 ounces of dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed.
Is there a secret ingredient to add depth to the flavor?
Yes, an optional 3 tablespoons of tequila can be added just before serving for a unique depth of flavor.
How do I thicken the chili?
Mix 3 tablespoons of flour with 1/2 cup of cold water until smooth, then gradually stir the mixture into the chili.
What are the nutritional values for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories, 10g of fat, 35g of carbohydrates, and 18g of protein.
Should I drain the fat from the meat?
Yes, after browning the ground beef and onions, drain the excess fat to ensure a leaner chili.
What size of tomato paste can is required?
The recipe requires one 6-ounce can of Italian-style tomato paste.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
This recipe uses 4 minced garlic cloves.
What spices are used to provide the heat?
The heat comes from a combination of 2 teaspoons of chili powder and 1.5 teaspoons of crushed red pepper flakes.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes 2 medium diced onions and 1/2 of a diced green bell pepper.
Do I need to remove the bay leaf?
Yes, ensure you remove the bay leaf from the pot before serving.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
Use one 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes.
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes, the recipe notes that flavors get better as the chili sits.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
Serve the chili with cornbread or over rice for a satisfying meal.
Is a bouillon cube necessary?
Yes, the recipe calls for one beef bouillon cube to be dissolved in the liquid mixture.
How much water is added to the pot initially?
1 cup of water is added to the pot along with the tomatoes and tomato paste.
How much ground coriander is needed?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of ground coriander.
How much ground cumin is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of ground cumin.
What dried herbs are included?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of dried oregano and one whole bay leaf.
How much salt is recommended?
2 teaspoons of salt are recommended, or you can adjust to taste.
What is the first step in the instructions?
Combine ground beef and diced onions in a large pot over medium heat and cook until meat is browned.
How much flour is used for the thickening slurry?
3 tablespoons of flour are mixed with cold water to thicken the chili.
What temperature should I use for simmering?
Reduce the heat to low once the pot is covered for the 1.5-hour simmer.
Is the green bell pepper used whole?
The recipe uses 1/2 of a green bell pepper, which should be diced before adding.
How much cold water is used for the flour mixture?
1/2 cup of cold water is used to create the thickening slurry.
When do I add the kidney beans?
The kidney beans are added in the fourth step along with the bell pepper, garlic, and spices.
How many onions are used?
2 medium onions are required for the recipe.
Is this a spicy dish?
Yes, the recipe is titled 'Ultimate Spicy Chili' and contains several heat-providing spices and pepper flakes.