Winter Warming Chili con Carne (Printable)

Hearty stew with tender beef, beans, and warming spices perfect for cold nights.

# What you need:

→ Meats

01 - 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
07 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)

→ Canned Goods

08 - 2 cans (14 oz each) diced tomatoes
09 - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
10 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
11 - 2 tbsp tomato paste

→ Spices & Seasonings

12 - 2 tbsp chili powder
13 - 2 tsp ground cumin
14 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
15 - 1 tsp dried oregano
16 - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
17 - 1 tsp salt
18 - 1/2 tsp black pepper

→ Liquids

19 - 2 cups beef broth

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes and brown on all sides in batches. Remove and set aside.
02 - In the same pot, cook onions for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add garlic, red and green bell peppers, and jalapeño; cook an additional 3 to 4 minutes.
03 - Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until spices are fragrant.
04 - Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
05 - Return browned beef to the pot. Add diced tomatoes with juice, beef broth, kidney beans, and black beans. Stir to combine thoroughly.
06 - Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
07 - Remove lid and continue to simmer uncovered for 30 minutes until chili thickens and beef is tender.
08 - Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Serve warm with optional toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheddar, cilantro, green onions, or lime wedges.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • Hearty and robust flavor
  • Perfect for cold winter nights
02 -
  • For a milder chili, omit or reduce cayenne and jalapeño
  • Substitute ground beef for cubed chuck for a quicker version (reduce simmering time by 30 minutes)
03 -
  • Brown the beef in batches to ensure proper searing
  • Adjust spice levels according to your preference
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