Chilli Con Carne Classic (Print Format)

Hearty blend of beef, spices, beans simmered to rich and savory perfection.

# Ingredients:

→ Base

01 - 1 tbsp olive oil
02 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
03 - 1 onion, diced (brown, white, or yellow)
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 lb ground beef

→ Sauce and Beans

06 - 3 tbsp tomato paste
07 - 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
08 - 14 oz canned red kidney beans, drained
09 - 2 beef bouillon cubes, crumbled
10 - 1 1/2 tsp sugar
11 - 1/2 – 1 1/2 cups water

→ Chili Spice Mix

12 - 1 – 2 tsp cayenne pepper, adjusted to taste
13 - 4 tsp paprika powder
14 - 5 tsp ground cumin
15 - 2 tsp garlic powder
16 - 2 tsp onion powder
17 - 2 tsp dried oregano
18 - 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt

# Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sauté for 1 minute, then add diced red bell pepper and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
02 - Increase heat to high and add ground beef. Cook while breaking up the meat until it is mostly browned.
03 - Sprinkle the chili spice mix over the browned beef. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and the spices release their aroma.
04 - Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, crumbled bouillon cubes, sugar, and water. Use 1/2 cup water for a quicker cook or 1 1/2 cups for slow cooking. Bring to a simmer.
05 - For a quick cook, simmer uncovered on medium-low heat for 20 to 40 minutes, maintaining a gentle bubble. For slow cooking, cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, ensuring a very gentle simmer.
06 - Season with additional salt to taste just before serving. Serve over rice or with corn chips and warm tortillas, accompanied by toppings such as sour cream, grated cheese, and fresh coriander.

# Tips:

01 - Substitute water with beef broth to enhance flavor but ensure to cook sufficiently to reduce liquid. Chili improves in flavor the next day and freezes well for later use.
02 - Adjust cayenne pepper to control heat: 1 tsp for mild warmth, up to 2 tsp for medium spiciness.
03 - Slow cooker instructions: after initial steps, transfer ingredients with 1/4 cup water to slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
04 - Common serving options include chili dogs, chili fries, stuffed baked potatoes, or served atop rice with toppings.
05 - Recommended toppings: mandatory sour cream and grated cheese, plus fresh coriander, sliced green onions, diced red onion, pico de gallo, diced avocado, and sliced jalapeños.