Are you craving a hearty, flavorful meal that's both comforting and satisfying? Look no further than this classic Betty Crocker Chili Con Carne recipe! This easy recipe is perfect for a chilly evening or a quick weeknight dinner. It's packed with delicious flavors and requires minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for busy cooks and beginners alike. Get ready to experience the warmth and deliciousness of homemade chili, without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients: A Symphony of Spices
This recipe yields about 6 servings of this incredibly delicious chili con carne. Adjust as needed for your family's appetite.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, avocado
Step-by-Step Instructions: A Culinary Journey
This recipe breaks down the chili-making process into easy steps, making it accessible to all skill levels.
Step 1: Building the Flavor Base: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess fat.
Step 2: Sautéing the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Blending the Flavors: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and release their aromas.
Step 4: Simmering to Perfection: Add the diced tomatoes and green chilies, tomato paste, and beef broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes!
Step 5: Adding the Beans: Stir in the kidney beans and pinto beans during the last 15 minutes of simmering. This prevents them from becoming mushy.
Step 6: Seasoning and Serving: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with your favorite chili toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, or avocado.
Cooking Tips for Chili Connoisseurs
- For a deeper, smoky flavor, consider browning the ground beef in a cast iron pot.
- If you prefer a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for the last 15 minutes to reduce the liquid.
- Feel free to experiment with different beans. Black beans or a combination of beans work well too.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with 1 cup of lentils or crumbled vegetarian crumbles.
Variations: Spice Up Your Chili!
- Spicy Chili: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Sweet Chili: Add a tablespoon of brown sugar or a splash of molasses for a touch of sweetness.
- Beef and Bean Chili: Increase the amount of ground beef to 1.5 pounds for a meatier chili.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This delicious and easy Betty Crocker-inspired chili con carne is a perfect example of a healthy meal that doesn't compromise on flavor. Enjoy!