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spicy hearty chili recipe

Spicy Hearty Chili Con Carne

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A rich and flavorful chili con carne that combines tender ground beef with aromatic vegetables in a perfectly spiced tomato base. This hearty comfort food is perfect for cold evenings and gets even better as leftovers.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex

Ingredients
  

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

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Blender
  • Wooden spoon
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Chop onion, celery, and green bell pepper into small, uniform pieces.
  2. Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped vegetables and sauté until tender but not browned, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it into small pieces while cooking until all pink has disappeared and meat is well browned.
  4. Blend the stewed tomatoes until smooth.
  5. Add blended tomatoes, chili powder, and water to the meat mixture. Stir to combine.
  6. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Add more water if needed to maintain desired consistency.

Notes

This chili gets better with time, making it perfect for make-ahead meals. For extra depth of flavor, try adding a splash of dark beer or coffee while simmering. Serve with cornbread, sour cream, shredded cheese, diced avocado, or fresh cilantro. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

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