Smoky Chili Con Carne
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Description:
This Smoky Chili Con Carne recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that has quickly become a weekly favorite in our household. Adapted from a recipe shared by Lynne Valeriote on foodtv.ca, it’s a great make-ahead meal that freezes beautifully in individual portions. With its rich, smoky flavor, this chili is sure to please both adults and kids alike. Adjust the level of heat by varying the amount of chipotle to suit your taste.

Ingredients:
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 orange sweet bell pepper, diced
- 2 yellow sweet peppers, diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 5-6 hot Italian sausages, casings removed
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1-2 chipotle chiles in adobo, minced (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups diced tomatoes (about one 14.5-ounce can)
- 2 cups kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Cook the Meat: In a large pot, heat over medium heat and add the hot Italian sausages, lean ground beef, and ground chicken. Brown the meats together, breaking them up with a spoon as they cook. Drain any excess fat once the meat is fully cooked.
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Sauté Vegetables: Add the finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and chopped celery to the pot. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened and the onions become translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
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Add Sweet Peppers: Stir in the diced orange and yellow sweet peppers and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. This will help maintain some texture in the peppers.
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Incorporate Spices: Sprinkle the chili powder and minced chipotle chiles into the pot, mixing well. Pour in the liquid smoke for an extra smoky depth of flavor.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and brown sugar to the pot. Stir everything together to ensure the sugar dissolves and the flavors meld.
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Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer slowly for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
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Add Beans and Corn: After an hour, stir in the kidney beans and corn. Continue to simmer for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.
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Season and Serve: Taste the chili and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, or sour cream if desired.
This Smoky Chili Con Carne is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a hearty lunch. Its robust flavors and satisfying ingredients make it a delicious choice that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy every smoky, spicy, and comforting bite! 🌶️🍲🍴