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Spicy Hearty Chili Con Carne

This hearty chili con carne is a comforting bowl of rich, slow-simmered flavors balanced with just the right amount of spice. Featuring lean ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and a smooth tomato base, it’s perfect for chilly evenings or game day gatherings. Adjust the chili powder to suit your heat preference and enjoy it over rice, with cornbread, or even stuffed in baked potatoes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chili Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1/2 cup onion chopped
  • 1 stalk celery chopped
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper chopped
  • 16 ounces low-sodium stewed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 1/2 cups water

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon
  • Blender

Method
 

  1. Chop 1/2 cup of onion, 1 stalk celery, and 1/2 cup of green bell pepper into small, uniform pieces. These aromatic vegetables form the flavor foundation of your chili.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of canola oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped vegetables and sauté them gently for about 5 minutes until they are tender but not browned.
  3. Add 1 1/2 pounds of lean ground beef to the skillet. Break the meat into small pieces with a wooden spoon and cook until it is evenly browned and no pink remains.
  4. Blend 16 ounces of low-sodium stewed tomatoes until smooth. This puree will help distribute the tomato flavor evenly throughout the dish.
  5. Pour the tomato puree over the browned beef and vegetables. Stir in 2 tablespoons of chili powder and 1 1/2 cups of water. Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for at least 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water if the mixture becomes too thick.

Notes

For best flavor, allow the chili to simmer slowly over low heat so the spices have time to meld together. You can substitute the ground beef with turkey or add extra beans and mushrooms if you prefer a meatless version. Adjust the chili powder to match your heat tolerance, and consider adding toppings like sour cream, cheddar cheese, or fresh cilantro to enhance the dish. Leftovers keep well in the fridge and develop even richer flavors the next day.