Here’s a classic, hearty **Chili Con Carne** recipe — rich, meaty, and full of flavor. Perfect for cold nights, game days, or comfort-food meals.
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# 🌶️ **Chili Con Carne**
## ⭐ Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
### **Meat & aromatics**
* 2 lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
* 1 large onion, diced
* 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
* 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
### **Spices**
* 3 tbsp chili powder
* 1 tbsp ground cumin
* 1 tsp smoked paprika
* 1 tsp dried oregano
* ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, adjust for heat)
* Salt & black pepper to taste
### **Liquids & tomatoes**
* 1 (14–15 oz) can diced tomatoes
* 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
* 2 cups beef broth (or water)
* 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
* 1 bay leaf (optional)
### **Optional additions**
* 1–2 cans kidney beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
* 1 tsp brown sugar (balances acidity)
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## 👩🍳 Instructions
### **1. Brown the meat**
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned.
2. Drain excess fat if necessary.
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### **2. Sauté vegetables**
* Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot.
* Cook 4–5 minutes until softened.
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### **3. Add spices**
* Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
* Cook 1–2 minutes to release the flavors.
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### **4. Add liquids & simmer**
* Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf.
* Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for **45–60 minutes**, stirring occasionally.
* Add more broth if it becomes too thick.
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### **5. Optional: Add beans**
* Add beans during the last 20 minutes of simmering if desired.
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### **6. Taste & adjust**
* Adjust salt, pepper, or chili powder as needed.
* Remove bay leaf before serving.
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## ⭐ Serving Suggestions
* Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions
* Serve with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips
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## ⭐ Tips & Variations
* **Texas-style chili:** Skip beans entirely; use diced chuck roast for a chunkier chili.
* **Smoky:** Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
* **Vegetable boost:** Add corn, carrots, or zucchini.
* **Slow cooker:** Brown meat first, then combine everything in slow cooker. Cook LOW 6–8 hrs or HIGH 3–4 hrs.
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I can also provide **white chicken chili**, **Cincinnati chili**, or a **three-bean vegetarian chili** version if you want.
