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Hearty Classic Chili Con Carne Recipe

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4.9 from 84 reviews

This hearty Chili Con Carne recipe features tender chunks of seared beef chuck simmered slowly with a flavorful blend of spices, vegetables, beer, and tomatoes. Enhanced with kidney beans and optional masa harina for thickening, this comforting dish combines smoky, spicy, and savory notes, perfect for a warming meal served with your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro.

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 Base

  • 12 oz. beer
  • 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. Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until fully mixed and set aside.
  2. Prepare Beef: Pat the beef chunks dry with paper towels. Season them with salt, pepper, and 2 teaspoons of the prepared seasoning mixture. Toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle the flour over the beef and toss again to ensure all pieces are lightly dusted.
  3. Sear Beef: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. In batches, sear the beef chunks for 1 to 1 ½ minutes per batch, tossing occasionally to develop a crisp, caramelized exterior. Avoid overcrowding to prevent steaming. Remove seared beef and set aside; the interior will remain mostly raw.
  4. Deglaze with Beer: Pour the beer into the pot and use a silicone spatula to scrape and loosen browned bits from the bottom and sides. Allow the beer to bubble and reduce by about half, approximately 7 to 8 minutes. This intensifies the flavor base.
  5. Sauté Vegetables: Stir in butter, diced onion, jalapeno peppers, and green bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
  6. Add Seasonings and Flavorings: Incorporate the remaining seasoning mixture, minced garlic, brown sugar, tomato paste, optional masa harina, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Stir well and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to meld flavors.
  7. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, beef broth, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  8. Simmer Chili: Return the seared beef and any accumulated juices to the pot. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered gently for 3 to 3 ½ hours. Stir occasionally, especially along the bottom, to prevent sticking and promote even cooking. The chili will thicken and flavors will deepen as it simmers.
  9. Add Beans and Heat Through: When the chili has thickened to near desired consistency, stir in the drained kidney beans. Continue heating for 10 to 15 minutes until beans are warmed.
  10. Adjust Seasonings and Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, adding more brown sugar, spice, or salt if desired. Remove bay leaves before serving. Garnish with sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro to enhance the flavors.

Notes

  • The beer adds depth and rich flavor to the chili; choose a lager or amber beer for best results.
  • Masa harina is optional but adds a subtle corn flavor and helps thicken the chili.
  • Simmering low and slow ensures tender beef and well-blended flavors.
  • For a spicier chili, increase cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to taste.
  • Serve with toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, or chopped green onions for added texture and flavor.

Find it online: https://oliviabakes.com/hearty-classic-chili-con-carne-recipe/