If you are craving a soul-warming, deeply satisfying meal, look no further than this Authentic Thick and Hearty Chili Con Carne Recipe. This classic dish is a fantastic blend of tender ground beef, rich tomato flavors, and a perfect balance of spices that come together in a slow-simmered embrace. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a comforting dinner that feels like a warm hug, this chili delivers mouthwatering taste and a delightful texture you won’t want to miss. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like home, even if you’ve never made chili from scratch before.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients are the backbone of this chili, each chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and that iconic hearty color you expect in a great con carne. These basics come together effortlessly to create a beautiful, rich dish that tastes far more complex than the sum of its parts.
- 2 lbs ground beef: The star protein that gives your chili meaty richness and satisfying chew.
- 2-3 tsp kosher salt (divided use): Enhances every flavor and seasons the meat perfectly in stages.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the spice profile.
- 3/4 cup chili powder: A fragrant blend of spices that brings warmth without heat overload.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Used for sautéing, it adds a fruity richness and helps soften aromatics.
- 3 cups chopped onion: Slow-cooked for sweetness and texture, creating a perfect base.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant punch and pungent depth to the chili.
- 1 jalapeno, finely chopped: Adds a hint of spicy brightness and complexity.
- 156 mL tomato paste: Intensifies tomato flavor and thickens the chili beautifully.
- 4 cups diced tomato: Provides fresh acidity and juicy tomato chunks.
- 2 19-oz cans black beans: Adds creaminess and a healthy dose of fiber.
- 2 19-oz cans kidney beans: Offers a hearty bite and earthy flavor contrast.
- 3 cups water: Helps simmer everything together, melding flavors and achieving the perfect consistency.
How to Make Authentic Thick and Hearty Chili Con Carne Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Onions
Start by heating olive oil over medium heat, then gently add your chopped onions. Let them cook slowly, stirring now and then, until they turn golden and soft—this can take around 20 minutes. This patient step builds a naturally sweet, flavorful base that is critical for the chili’s depth.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Jalapeno
Next, toss in the minced garlic and finely chopped jalapeno. Cook for about one minute just until fragrant. This brief sauté wakes up the aromatics and adds a bit of zest that will brighten your chili.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the pot. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, black pepper, and all of the chili powder. Use a spoon or spatula to break up the meat as it cooks evenly until the beef loses its pink color. Browning the meat properly creates those wonderful caramelized notes in every bite.
Step 4: Incorporate Tomato Paste
Stir in the tomato paste and keep it cooking for about two minutes. This step deepens the color and intensifies its rich, tangy flavor, which contributes to the authentic thick texture we love in this chili.
Step 5: Add Remaining Ingredients and Simmer
Pour in your black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, the remaining kosher salt, and water. Give it a good stir, then raise the heat until the mixture reaches a boil. Once boiling, reduce it to a gentle simmer. Cover and let the chili cook for at least 30 minutes or longer if you have the time. This slow simmer lets all the flavors marry, thickening the chili into that perfect hearty consistency.
How to Serve Authentic Thick and Hearty Chili Con Carne Recipe
Garnishes
A great chili is only better with the right finishing touches. Try topping your bowl with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, or even sliced green onions. These add creaminess, freshness, and a pop of color that makes each bite more exciting.
Side Dishes
This chili pairs wonderfully with classic sides like warm cornbread or tortilla chips for scooping. You can also keep it simple with steamed rice or a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
How about serving your Authentic Thick and Hearty Chili Con Carne Recipe in mini bread bowls or over baked potatoes? For a fun twist, use it as a topping on nachos or even a chili-filled stuffed pepper. These ideas make the dish feel festive and perfect for family or game day gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chili keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the rich flavors and thick texture. It tastes even better the next day as the spices continue to meld.
Freezing
This chili freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and heat it up whenever you need a comforting meal on the fly.
Reheating
Reheat your chili gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it seems too thick, a splash of water or broth helps loosen it back up without losing that signature hearty consistency.
FAQs
Can I use other types of beans in this chili?
Absolutely! While black beans and kidney beans provide great texture and flavor, you can swap in pinto beans or navy beans if you prefer. Just keep in mind cooking times and texture differences.
Is this recipe spicy? How can I adjust the heat?
This Authentic Thick and Hearty Chili Con Carne Recipe has a mild to moderate heat thanks to the jalapeno and chili powder. You can tame it by removing the seeds from the jalapeno or amp up the spice by adding more jalapenos, chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce.
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or add extra beans and vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers. Adjust seasoning accordingly to maintain that rich depth.
What’s the best chili powder to use for authentic flavor?
Look for a chili powder blend that includes spices like cumin, oregano, and paprika rather than just ground chili peppers. This combination brings the balanced, warm spice essential for this authentic recipe.
How thick should the chili be when it’s done?
You want a thick, stew-like consistency where the sauce clings nicely to the meat and beans but isn’t dry. If it’s too runny, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce and concentrate the flavors.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you enjoy making and savoring this Authentic Thick and Hearty Chili Con Carne Recipe as much as I do. It’s a timeless dish full of comforting flavors that hit every craving just right. Warm, filling, and utterly delicious—once you try it, this chili might just become your new favorite go-to recipe.
Print
Authentic Thick and Hearty Chili Con Carne Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Authentic Thick and Hearty Chili Con Carne recipe delivers a robust and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Ground beef is slow-cooked with a blend of chili powder, onions, garlic, jalapeño, and a mix of black and kidney beans, simmered to a thick and satisfying consistency. Ideal for a comforting family dinner, this chili is well-balanced in spices and rich in textures.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 2–3 tsp kosher salt (divided use)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3/4 cup chili powder (blend of spices, not ground red chile)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 3 cups chopped onion
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeno, finely chopped
Additional Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 156 mL tomato paste
- 4 cups diced tomato
- 2 19-oz cans black beans
- 2 19-oz cans kidney beans
- 3 cups water
Instructions
- Cook Onions: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add the chopped onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden and soft, about 20 minutes. This step brings out the natural sweetness and depth of flavor in the onions.
- Add Garlic and Jalapeño: Stir in the minced garlic and finely chopped jalapeño. Cook for 1 more minute until fragrant to enhance the chili’s flavor base with aromatic heat and pungency.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot. Season with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, black pepper, and the chili powder. Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly and is no longer pink inside. This step builds the chili’s meaty foundation.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook continuously for 2 minutes. This helps deepen the color and intensifies the savory, umami-rich flavor of the chili.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, the remaining kosher salt, and water. Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly and bring the mixture to a boil, combining all components evenly.
- Simmer the Chili: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer gently for at least 30 minutes. This slower cooking melds the flavors, thickens the sauce, and develops the rich, hearty profile typical of a traditional chili con carne.
Notes
- You can adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer jalapeños or incorporating other types of chili peppers.
- For a thicker chili, you can simmer it uncovered during the last 10 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
- This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors further meld together.
- Serve with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, or fresh cilantro for added texture and taste.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
