Rich Chili Con Carne
The Best Simple and Classic Beef Chili Recipe with Optional Fiery Kick
This classic Chili Con Carne recipe delivers a hearty, deeply savory bowl that’s perfect for game days or a warming winter meal. It features tender ground beef, kidney beans, and a rich, spiced tomato base. This recipe is straightforward, focusing on deep flavor layers developed through simple simmering.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes Servings: 8
Ingredients
2 tablespoons (30 mL) olive oil
2 pounds (900 g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
1 large yellow onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 ounce / 794 g) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 ounce / 425 g) can tomato sauce
2 (15 ounce / 425 g each) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup (240 mL) beef broth
2 tablespoons (30 mL) chili powder
1 tablespoon (15 mL) ground cumin
1 teaspoon (5 mL) dried oregano
1 teaspoon (5 mL) kosher salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 mL) black pepper, or to taste
Optional: 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 mL) Blazing Citrus Hot Sauce
Heat It Up with Eleven Eleven Sauce: For a delicious twist, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of Blazing Citrus Hot sauce during the last 15 minutes of simmering for a Fiery citrus complexity that elevates the traditional spices.
Heat Level: 8 out of 10 🔥
Blazing Citrus Hot Sauce is our extreme heat champion, built for serious spice fans and challenge seekers. Carolina Reaper peppers deliver searing intensity, while fresh grapefruit and lemon juice replace vinegar for a bright, tangy lift and full flavor. It is very spicy yet vibrant, turning wings, tacos, grilled meats, and bowls into a bold, citrus charged experience. Turn the heat all the way up and get maximum flavor in every drop.
1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and enhance their flavor.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and the drained kidney beans. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
5. Remove the lid and continue to simmer for 15 minutes to allow the chili to thicken. If using the Eleven Eleven Sauce’s Blazing Citrus Hot Sauce, stir it in during this final simmering period.
6. Remove the lid and continue to simmer for 15 minutes to allow the chili to thicken. If using the Blazing Citrus Hot Sauce, stir it in during this final simmering period.
Tips & Variations
For extra depth, replace the beef broth with coffee or dark beer for a robust, rich flavor.
Substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the ground beef for a leaner chili.
To make it a three-bean chili, add a can of drained and rinsed black beans.
Other Users Suggest
Replacing 2 pounds of ground beef with 1 1/2 pounds of stew beef, cubed for a chunkier, more substantial chili texture.
Replacing kidney beans with 2 (15 ounce) cans of pinto beans, drained and rinsed, for a slightly milder, smoother bean flavor.
Replacing beef broth with 1 cup of tomato juice for a slightly thicker and more concentrated tomato flavor.
Storage, Reheat & Freeze
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Chili flavor actually improves the next day!
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave.
Freeze chili in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 450 Protein: 35g Carbs: 35g Fat: 20g
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