Chile Con Carne with Red Beans
Simmering with bold Southwestern flavors, this Chile Con Carne with Red Beans is the ultimate comfort food. This one-pot classic combines tender ground beef, hearty red kidney beans, and a medley of warm spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, all simmered in a rich tomato base. An optional touch of dark chocolate adds a subtle depth of flavor, elevating this dish to gourmet status. Perfectly balanced with the heat from cayenne and the earthiness of oregano, this chili is ready in under an hour and is sure to satisfy. Serve it piping hot with your favorite sides like fluffy rice, crumbly cornbread, or crispy tortilla chips for a meal that's as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you're hosting a casual gathering or cozying up on a cold night, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large, diced yellow onion
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 14.5 ounces (1 can) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 15 ounces (1 can, rinsed and drained) red kidney beans
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 ounce (optional, for depth of flavor) dark chocolate
- 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional, for garnish) fresh cilantro
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the diced yellow onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 7-8 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to caramelize and deepen the flavor.
Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, rinsed kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Optional: Stir in the dark chocolate and allow it to melt completely for added richness.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired. Chile Con Carne pairs perfectly with rice, cornbread, or tortilla chips!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1722 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 117.4 g | 151% | |
| Saturated Fat | 39.9 g | 200% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 322 mg | 107% | |
| Sodium | 4714 mg | 205% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 87.0 g | 32% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 27.6 g | 99% | |
| Total Sugars | 30.6 g | ||
| Protein | 95.1 g | 190% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 432 mg | 33% | |
| Iron | 23.5 mg | 131% | |
| Potassium | 3359 mg | 71% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
