Description
Hearty Mexican-inspired chilli con carne delivers a spicy symphony of ground beef, beans, and robust seasonings that dance across your palate. Comfort and warmth fill each savory spoonful, inviting you to savor this classic dish with crusty bread or fluffy rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 can (19 ounces/540 milliliters) red kidney beans
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 can (28 ounces/794 grams) diced tomatoes
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon chilli powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper sauce
- Olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and thoroughly sear ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic until meat is completely browned and onions are translucent.
- Sprinkle chilli powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, cocoa powder, salt, and hot sauce into the meat mixture, ensuring even distribution of spices.
- Pour crushed tomatoes into the skillet and gently incorporate with the seasoned meat mixture.
- Increase heat and bring the chilli to a robust boil, then immediately reduce temperature and cover, allowing the mixture to simmer gently for approximately 60 minutes.
- Carefully introduce kidney beans along with their accompanying liquid, stirring thoroughly to integrate into the existing sauce.
- Remove the lid and continue simmering for an additional 20 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce and the chilli to thicken to a rich, hearty consistency.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving piping hot, optionally garnished with desired toppings like shredded cheese or chopped cilantro.
Notes
- Select high-quality ground beef with moderate fat content for richer flavor and juicier texture.
- Drain excess fat carefully to reduce greasiness while maintaining meat’s natural moisture.
- Use ancho or chipotle chilli powder for deeper, smokier flavor profile compared to standard varieties.
- Consider adding dark chocolate instead of cocoa powder for more complex, rounded taste sensation.
- Replace beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives for vegetarian-friendly version without compromising robust spice blend.
- Optional toppings like fresh cilantro, sour cream, or diced avocado can elevate dish’s visual appeal and taste complexity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg