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Hearty Chili Con Carne with Beef, Beans, and Rich Seasonings Recipe

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4.5 from 81 reviews

This hearty Chili Con Carne recipe is a flavorful and comforting dish made with tender chunks of boneless beef chuck, seasoned with a robust blend of spices, and simmered in a rich tomato and beer broth. Enhanced with vegetables, beans, and a touch of brown sugar, this classic chili is perfect for warming up any meal and can be served with sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro for added flavor and texture.

Ingredients

Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 2 teaspoons oregano
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes

Beef

  • 3 lbs. boneless beef chuck, cut into chunks
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/3 cup flour
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more as needed

Chili

  • 12 oz. beer (lager or ale recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 2 jalapeno peppers, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons masa harina (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons hot sauce
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 28 oz. crushed tomatoes
  • 10 oz. diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 16 oz. kidney beans, drained

Instructions

  1. Prepare Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and set aside for later use.
  2. Season the Beef: Pat the beef chuck pieces dry thoroughly. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and 2 teaspoons of the seasoning mixture. Toss to coat evenly. Then sprinkle flour over the meat and toss again to cover all pieces with a light flour coating.
  3. Sear the Meat: Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the beef chunks for 1 to 1.5 minutes per batch, ensuring there is enough space so the meat crisps and does not steam. The interior should remain mostly uncooked. Remove seared meat and set aside.
  4. Deglaze with Beer: Pour the beer into the pot and use a silicone spatula to scrape and loosen any browned bits stuck to the bottom and sides. Allow the beer to simmer and reduce by about half, approximately 7 to 8 minutes.
  5. Sauté Vegetables: Add butter, diced onion, jalapeno peppers, and green bell pepper to the pot. Cook and soften the vegetables for about 5 minutes over medium heat.
  6. Add Remaining Seasonings and Tomato Base: Stir in the rest of the seasoning blend, minced garlic, brown sugar, tomato paste, optional masa harina, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Cook the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes to deepen flavors.
  7. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies (including juice), beef broth, and add bay leaves. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
  8. Simmer the Chili: Reduce heat to low and return the seared meat chunks along with their juices to the pot. Simmer gently, uncovered, for 3 to 3.5 hours. Stir occasionally, using a silicone spatula to lift any sediment from the bottom to prevent burning. The chili will thicken and intensify in flavor during this time.
  9. Finish with Beans: When the chili reaches your desired consistency, stir in the drained kidney beans. Heat through for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to warm the beans.
  10. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more brown sugar, spice, or salt to your preference. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Garnish with sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

  • Using beer enhances the depth of flavor; a lager or ale works best.
  • Masa harina is optional but adds thickness and a subtle corn flavor.
  • Be sure to sear the meat properly to develop rich flavors and texture.
  • Simmering uncovered allows the chili to reduce and intensify; stir periodically to avoid sticking.
  • Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of cayenne pepper, jalapenos, and hot sauce.
  • Allowing the chili to rest after cooking helps the flavors meld together for a better taste.

Find it online: https://forkvista.com/hearty-chili-con-carne-with-beef-beans-and-rich-seasonings-recipe/