Sizzling Chili Con Carne Recipe: A Hearty Homemade Delight

Delicious weeknight dinners often spark excitement around classic chili con carne, a hearty meal that brings comfort to hungry tables.

Memories of slow-simmered beans and rich meats dance through kitchen spaces.

Robust spices create layers of intense flavor that warm hearts and bellies.

Mexican-inspired cuisine shines in this straightforward yet complex dish that anyone can master.

Bold ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a culinary adventure that satisfies deep hunger.

Fragrant aromas will draw everyone closer, eager to taste each spoonful of this traditional favorite.

You’ll want to savor every bite of this soul-warming recipe that connects generations through its incredible taste.

Ingredients for Delia Smith Chili Con Carne

• Ground Beef: A rich and hearty protein that forms the base of the classic chili dish.
• Beans: A traditional chili ingredient that adds texture and plant-based protein to the meal.
• Tomatoes: Provide a tangy and sweet foundation that helps create the signature chili sauce.

• Onions, Garlic: These vegetables create a deep, savory flavor base for the chili.
• Cumin, Oregano, Paprika, Cayenne: A blend of spices that adds warmth, depth, and a slight kick to the dish.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates and intensifies the tomato flavor in the chili.

• Beef Stock: Adds richness and depth to the overall flavor profile of the chili.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and building initial flavors.
• Parsley, Salt, Pepper, Vinegar: Finishing ingredients that balance and brighten the final dish.

Instructions to Make Delia Smith Chili Con Carne

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Heat olive oil in a spacious pot over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling foundation for your delicious chili.

Step 2: Transform Onions into Golden Delights

Toss chopped onions into the hot oil, stirring and dancing them around until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aromatics.

Step 3: Invite Garlic to the Flavor Party

Drop minced garlic into the pot, letting it mingle with the onions and create an irresistible fragrance that will make mouths water.

Step 4: Brown the Meaty Star

Introduce ground beef to the pot, breaking it into crumbly pieces and cooking until it develops a rich, caramel-like color and releases its savory juices.

Step 5: Sprinkle the Spice Symphony

• Ground cumin
• Dried oregano
• Sweet paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Tomato paste

Stir and toast the spices to awaken their deep, complex flavors.

Step 6: Pour in the Liquid Landscape

• Crushed tomatoes
• Beef stock
• Kidney beans
• Fresh parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the mixture bubble and blend its incredible flavors.

Step 7: Slow Dance of Simmering

Reduce heat and let the chili gently simmer, allowing ingredients to get acquainted and develop a rich, harmonious taste.

Step 8: Final Flourish

Taste and adjust seasonings. For a bright finish, splash in a bit of vinegar just before serving to elevate the entire dish.

Cooking Tips for a Rich Chili Con Carne

• Boost Flavor Depth: Toast spices like cumin and paprika in the pot before adding other ingredients to intensify their aromatic qualities.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on personal heat tolerance, adding gradually to achieve desired warmth.
• Tenderize Meat Perfectly: Choose ground beef with 80/20 fat content for rich flavor and juicy texture, avoiding overly lean options.
• Enhance Texture Variation: Include different bean types like kidney and black beans for more complex mouthfeel and nutritional diversity.
• Optimize Cooking Time: Let chili simmer low and slow to allow flavors to meld and develop a rich, deep taste profile.

Tweak Your Chili with These Fun Variations

• Vegetarian Chili Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or hearty lentils for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Chicken Chili Alternative: Substitute ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter protein option.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Increase cayenne pepper and add diced green chilies for an extra heat kick.
• Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Remove beans and use cauliflower rice as a base, keeping the rich spice blend intact.

What to Pair with Delia Smith Chili Con Carne

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Zinfandel or Syrah that can stand up to the rich, spicy flavors of chili con carne. These wines complement the deep meaty notes and enhance the dish's complex spice profile.
• Create Cornbread Companion: Whip up a slightly sweet cornbread with jalapeños to balance the chili's heat. The bread's soft texture and subtle sweetness will contrast beautifully with the hearty meat and beans.
• Craft Cool Beer Match: Select a crisp Mexican lager like Modelo or Dos Equis to cut through the chili's richness. The beer's light, refreshing quality helps cleanse the palate between spicy bites and provides a perfect counterpoint.

How to Store Leftover Chili Con Carne

• Transfer leftover chili to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Pack cooled chili in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Flat-packed bags save freezer space and thaw faster.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly. Add a splash of water or beef stock to prevent drying.

FAQs About Delia Smith Chili Con Carne

• What makes this chili con carne authentic?

Traditional Mexican chili con carne uses ground beef, beans, and a blend of spices like cumin and oregano, which this recipe follows closely for a classic flavor profile.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe includes cayenne pepper, which adds a moderate heat level. You can adjust the amount of cayenne to make it milder or hotter according to your preference.

• Can I use different types of beans?

While the recipe uses standard beans, you can substitute with kidney beans, pinto beans, or black beans without significantly changing the overall taste and texture.

• How can I make this chili more hearty?

Adding extra ground beef, using a mix of ground meats, or including diced bell peppers can make the chili more substantial and flavorful.

What Makes Delia Smith Chili Con Carne So Comforting

• Savor Hearty Comfort: Dive into a rich, warming dish that wraps you in pure culinary comfort with its robust flavors and satisfying texture.
• Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with protein from ground beef and beans, this chili delivers a nutrient-dense meal that keeps you full and energized.
• Master Easy Cooking Skills: Perfect for home cooks of all levels, this recipe requires simple techniques and basic ingredients anyone can handle with confidence.
• Customize Your Spice Adventure: Easily adjust heat levels and ingredients to match personal preferences, making it a versatile meal for different taste buds.

Chili Con Carne Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 156 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty chili con carne delivers robust southwestern flavors that dance across your palate with rich, spicy complexity. Meaty beef, aromatic spices, and slow-simmered beans create a comforting meal you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds ground beef

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Vegetables and Other Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can (28 ounces/794 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) beef stock
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) kidney beans, drained
• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and gently sauté diced onions until translucent and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Introduce minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional 30-45 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence.
3. Incorporate ground beef into the pot, breaking it into crumbly fragments and cooking until completely browned and no pink remains, around 6-7 minutes.
4. Sprinkle cumin, oregano, paprika, and cayenne over the meat, then blend in tomato paste, allowing spices to bloom and intensify for roughly 90 seconds.
5. Pour in diced tomatoes, beef stock, kidney beans, chopped parsley, and season with salt and freshly ground pepper.
6. Elevate heat until mixture reaches a gentle bubbling state, then reduce temperature to low, covering and simmering for approximately 1 hour, periodically stirring to prevent scorching.
7. Evaluate flavor profile, adjusting seasonings as needed; optionally enhance with a subtle splash of vinegar just before serving to brighten overall taste.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper amount for mild or spicy preferences.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for healthier or vegetarian options.
• Let chili simmer longer for deeper, more developed flavor profile and tender meat texture.
• Add a splash of dark chocolate or coffee to enhance rich umami undertones in the dish.

• Prep Time: 0 minutes
• Cook Time: 156 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 428 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg