Chili con Carne Done Right: Beef, Chiles, and Ultimate Flavor!
Dive into the rich and bold flavors of this authentic Chili con Carne recipe, crafted with love and care. We start by removing the seeds from dried Mexican chilies and rehydrating them in a simmering pot of homemade beef stock, unlocking their deep, smoky essence. Meanwhile, minced beef is seared to perfection, creating a hearty base for this dish.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 50 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Chiles
- 2 Pasilla chiles
- 2 Guajillo chiles
- 2 Mulato chiles
- 2 Ancho chiles
- 1 tbsp Chipotle peppers in Adobo sauce
Spices
- 2 tbsp cumin
- 2 tbsp coriander seeds roasted and ground
- 2 tbsp oregano
- Salt to taste
- 2-3 tbsp tomato paste
Beef
- 2.7 kg 6 lbs ground beef (80/20 mix)
Liquids
- 1 liter homemade beef stock
- Splash of cognac Mastiha, or your preferred deglazing liquid
Vegetables
- 3 medium-sized diced onions
- 4 diced carrots
- 3 cans of crushed tomatoes
- 1 jar flame-roasted red bell peppers diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
Beans (optional)
- 2-3 cups of your choice black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, etc.
Garnishes
- Grated cheese
- Green onions
- Tortilla chips
- Greek yogurt sour cream, or Mexican cream
Prepare the Chiles
Check that the dried chiles are pliable. If not, discard.
Using kitchen shears, cut the chiles open and remove most of the seeds.
Toast the chiles in a dry pan over medium-high heat for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
Make the Chili Paste
Blend the softened chiles with their soaking liquid until smooth.
Add cumin, coriander, oregano, tomato paste, a pinch of salt, and the chipotle peppers in Adobo sauce. Blend again until well combined. Set aside.
Cook the Beef
In a large pot, add all the ground beef at once over high heat. Break it up and cook for 30 minutes, allowing all water to evaporate.
Continue cooking until beef is deeply browned. Deglaze the pot with a splash of your chosen liquid (cognac or Mastiha) and scrape up the browned bits.
Serving Suggestions
Serve in a bowl topped with grated cheese, chopped green onions, and a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Pair with tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch.
Enjoy this rich and flavorful chili con carne, packed with bold spices and tender beef!
Keyword BBQ, cooking, foodie, greece, recipe