Ultimate Tex-Mex Chili Con Carne with Hearty Beans
Savor the bold flavors of this Ultimate Tex-Mex Chili Con Carne with Hearty Beans, a delightful and comforting dish that's perfect for gatherings or family dinners. Made with a blend of coarsely ground beef and pork, this chili is enriched with robust spices, fresh garlic, and a touch of cocoa and cinnamon for a unique twist. The addition of hearty kidney beans adds texture and fiber, making it a well-rounded meal. Enjoy it on its own or serve it with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips for a complete experience. This recipe brings a taste of the Southwest to your table, embodying the spirit of sharing delicious food with loved ones.
N/A
Servings
633
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive Oil
1/4 cup (warm)
Yellow Onions
2 large (chopped)
Ground Beef
2 lbs (coarsely ground)
Ground Pork
2 lbs (coarsely ground)
Salt
1 teaspoon
Chili Powder
1/3 cup (mild)
Cumin
1 teaspoon
Oregano
3 tablespoons
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
3 tablespoons
Cinnamon
2 tablespoons
Cayenne Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (or to taste)
Tomato Juice
4 cups
Beef Stock
3 cups (or canned broth)
Garlic Cloves
8 (minced)
Cornmeal
2 tablespoons (optional)
Kidney Beans
2 (16 ounce) cans (drained)
Instructions
1
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and translucent, approximately 20 minutes.
2
In a 4 to 5-quart heavy flameproof casserole or Dutch oven, combine the coarsely ground beef and pork over medium heat. Season with salt and cook, stirring frequently, until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink, about 20 minutes.
3
Once the meat is cooked, carefully scrape the sautéed onions into the casserole with the meats. Stir to combine.
4
Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper to the meat mixture. Stir well and let the spices toast for about 5 minutes, enhancing their flavors.
5
Pour in the tomato juice and beef stock, and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6
After an hour, taste the chili and adjust seasonings to your liking. If you prefer a thicker consistency, continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes or until it reaches your desired thickness.
7
Stir in the minced garlic just a few minutes before serving. If you'd like to thicken the chili further or bind any excess fat from the top, mix in the optional cornmeal.
8
Finally, add the drained kidney beans and simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through. Serve hot, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
35
Fat
40
Carbs
47
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary meat used in this Tex-Mex Chili?
This recipe uses a combination of 2 lbs of coarsely ground beef and 2 lbs of coarsely ground pork.
What are the unique flavor enhancers in this chili?
Unsweetened cocoa powder and cinnamon are used to provide a unique and robust twist to the flavor profile.
How long should I sauté the onions?
The chopped onions should be sautéed in olive oil for approximately 20 minutes until they are tender and translucent.
What kind of beans are included in this recipe?
The recipe calls for two 16-ounce cans of kidney beans, which should be drained before being added.
How do I thicken the chili if it is too thin?
You can thicken the chili by simmering it for an additional 30 minutes or by mixing in two tablespoons of cornmeal.
What is the total simmering time for the chili?
The chili simmers uncovered for an initial 1 hour, with an optional 30 extra minutes for thickness, plus a final 5 minutes once beans are added.
What liquids are used for the chili base?
The base consists of 4 cups of tomato juice and 3 cups of beef stock or canned broth.
When should the garlic be added?
The minced garlic (8 cloves) should be stirred in just a few minutes before you are ready to serve the dish.
Is this chili spicy?
Yes, it contains 1/3 cup of mild chili powder and 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (or more to taste).
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 633 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this dish?
This chili is very high in protein, providing about 47 grams per serving.
What equipment is recommended for cooking?
A 4 to 5-quart heavy flameproof casserole or a Dutch oven is ideal for this recipe.
Should the spices be toasted?
Yes, after adding the spices to the meat, let them toast for about 5 minutes to enhance their flavors before adding liquids.
Is cornmeal required for this recipe?
No, the cornmeal is optional and is used primarily to thicken the chili or bind excess fat.
How much fat is in a serving of this chili?
Each serving contains approximately 35 grams of fat.
What type of chili powder should I use?
The recipe specifies using a mild chili powder.
Can I use beef broth instead of stock?
Yes, the recipe allows for either beef stock or canned beef broth.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe requires 2 large yellow onions, chopped.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of olive oil.
Should the ground meat be browned before adding other ingredients?
Yes, the beef and pork should be cooked until fully browned and no longer pink, which takes about 20 minutes.
How much cumin is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of cumin.
Is there salt in the recipe?
Yes, the meat is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of salt during the browning process.
What are some recommended sides for this chili?
This chili pairs well with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips.
How much oregano is used?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of oregano.
Does this recipe use fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe uses 8 minced garlic cloves for a fresh, pungent flavor.
Is the chili cooked covered or uncovered?
The chili should be simmered uncovered to allow the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce.
What texture should the ground meat have?
The recipe recommends using coarsely ground beef and pork for a heartier texture.
Can I adjust the heat level?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your personal taste preference.
How much cinnamon is included?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of cinnamon.