Ingredients:
2 tablespoons of olive oil
2 large onions, diced
5 cloves of garlic, minced
3 pounds of ground beef, preferably chuck
2 teaspoons of tomato paste
One 12-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
4 cups of beef broth
1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
1/4 tablespoon of ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
2 cans (15 ounces each) of kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) of pinto beans, rinsed and drained
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional garnishes: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add ground beef to the saucepan and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Remove any excess fat if necessary.
Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth. Reduce heat to low and simmer.
Add smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the beef mixture is fully combined with the seasonings.
Simmer the chili uncovered for about an hour over low heat, stirring regularly. If it thickens too much, add additional beef broth to reach desired consistency.
After 30 minutes of simmering, stir in rinsed and drained kidney beans and pinto beans. Allow the flavors to combine.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with optional garnishes such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro.
Tips and Variations:
Instead of ground beef, try browning cubes of beef chuck for a chunkier chili.
Use chipotle chili powder for a smokier kick, or add sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
Experiment with different types of beans like black beans or navy beans.
Make it vegetarian by substituting beef with textured vegetable protein (TVP) or more beans and using vegetable broth.
Chili Con Carne freezes well, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days. The flavors only improve with time.
Enjoy!