Chili con Carne: A Hearty and Flavorful Dish for Any Occasion
Chili con carne is the quintessential comfort food, a flavorful and hearty dish that combines tender beef, aromatic spices, and a medley of vegetables, making it a perfect choice for any meal. Whether you’re feeding a family, entertaining guests, or simply craving something warm and filling, this chili recipe will satisfy all your cravings with its rich, bold flavors and satisfying texture. Perfectly spiced, and hearty, it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, rice, or even a dollop of sour cream for an extra touch of creaminess.
Ingredients
(For 4 servings)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef (Manzo) | 800g |
| Cooked Black Beans (Fagioli neri precotti) | 700g |
| Red Bell Peppers (Peperoni rossi) | 250g |
| Tomato Passata (Passata di pomodoro) | 500g |
| Beef Broth (Brodo di carne) | 500g |
| White Onions (Cipolle bianche) | 160g |
| Red Onions (Cipolle rosse) | 100g |
| Garlic Cloves (Aglio) | 3 cloves |
| Fresh Chili Pepper (Peperoncino fresco) | 1 |
| Ground Cumin (Cumino in polvere) | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground Coriander (Coriandolo in polvere) | 1 tablespoon |
| Brown Sugar (Zucchero di canna) | 1 tablespoon |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Olio extravergine d’oliva) | 30g |
| Salt (Sale fino) | 2 teaspoons |
| Ground Black Pepper (Pepe nero) | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh Coriander (Coriandolo) | To taste (for garnish) |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
The following nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on portion size and specific brands used.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~450 kcal |
| Protein | ~35g |
| Carbohydrates | ~30g |
| Fiber | ~10g |
| Fat | ~22g |
| Saturated Fat | ~5g |
| Cholesterol | ~70mg |
| Sodium | ~950mg |
| Sugars | ~7g |
| Vitamin A | ~25% of daily value |
| Vitamin C | ~45% of daily value |
| Iron | ~20% of daily value |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by prepping all your ingredients. Finely chop the red and white onions, garlic cloves, and fresh chili pepper. Set them aside in separate bowls for easy access. Dice the red bell peppers into small pieces, and measure out the spices: cumin, coriander, and brown sugar. Open the cans of black beans and passata, and have the beef broth ready.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
In a large, heavy-bottomed casserole dish (preferably cast iron), heat half of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Season with one teaspoon of salt and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Once done, remove the beef from the casserole and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same casserole, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the chopped onions (both red and white) for about 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the garlic and fresh chili pepper, and continue to cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Add the Vegetables and Spices
Add the diced red bell peppers to the pot, and sprinkle in the ground cumin and coriander. Stir well to combine, letting the spices toast slightly, which will bring out their full flavor. Let this mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Deglaze the Pot and Simmer
Pour in a ladle of beef broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the casserole. This will enhance the flavor of your chili. Next, add the tomato passata and the remaining beef broth. Stir to combine, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover the casserole with a lid, and let it simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
6. Add the Beans and Simmer Again
After 30 minutes, add the cooked black beans with their liquid to the pot. Stir everything together and cover the pot once more. Let the chili cook for another 40 minutes over medium-low heat. This will help thicken the chili and integrate all the flavors. Taste the chili periodically and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices as desired.
7. Final Touches and Resting
Once the chili has finished cooking, remove the pot from the heat and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period helps the chili thicken further and lets the flavors settle.
8. Garnish and Serve
Before serving, garnish the chili with fresh coriander leaves for a burst of fresh flavor and color. Serve the chili con carne while still warm, alongside rice, cornbread, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Tips for the Perfect Chili con Carne
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the amount of fresh chili pepper or even adding a pinch of chili flakes.
- Slow Cooking: For an even deeper flavor, consider letting the chili simmer for longer on very low heat or even in a slow cooker for several hours.
- Toppings and Sides: Offer a variety of toppings such as sour cream, grated cheese, or sliced avocado. Pair with crunchy tortilla chips or a slice of cornbread for the perfect chili night experience.
- Make Ahead: Chili con carne actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. It’s a great dish to make in advance for meal prep or a cozy meal later in the week.
Conclusion
Chili con carne is an unforgettable dish that brings together the hearty richness of ground beef, the warmth of spices, and the creaminess of beans, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or entertaining guests, this recipe will certainly impress with its bold taste and satisfying texture. Try it out, and watch as your family and friends come back for seconds!
