Chili Con Carne (Or Spicy Bean Soup if You’d Prefer)

Servings: 6 Difficulty: Advanced
A hearty, slow-simmered American classic with tender beef and creamy pinto beans.
Chili Con Carne (Or "Spicy Bean Soup" if You'd Prefer recipe image

This robust chili con carne is the ultimate comfort food, featuring chunks of tender boneless beef and earthy pinto beans simmered until deeply flavorful. The secret lies in the long, low simmer that allows the spices&# 226;ÂÂcumin, marjoram, and chili powderâÂÂto meld perfectly with the meat. Thickened naturally with a cornmeal and flour slurry, it has a satisfying, rustic texture that clings to every spoonful. Ideal for cold winter evenings or meal-prepping for the week, this dish freezes beautifully and tastes even better the next day. ItâÂÂs a crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for family dinners or game day gatherings.

Chili Con Carne (Or Spicy Bean Soup if You’d Prefer)

Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 6 Calories: 886.4

Description

This robust chili con carne is the ultimate comfort food, featuring chunks of tender boneless beef and earthy pinto beans simmered until deeply flavorful. The secret lies in the long, low simmer that allows the spices&# 226;ÂÂcumin, marjoram, and chili powderâÂÂto meld perfectly with the meat. Thickened naturally with a cornmeal and flour slurry, it has a satisfying, rustic texture that clings to every spoonful. Ideal for cold winter evenings or meal-prepping for the week, this dish freezes beautifully and tastes even better the next day. ItâÂÂs a crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for family dinners or game day gatherings.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Rinse the dried pinto beans and soak them overnight or according to package directions, then drain.
  2. Cut the boneless beef into 1/2-inch cubes.
  3. Heat olive oil in a heavy 6-quart saucepan over high heat.
  4. Brown the beef cubes in batches, ensuring they are seared on all sides, then remove from the pan.
  5. In the same pan, add minced garlic, onion (if available), and sauté until softened.
  6. Return the beef to the pan and add 1 quart of water.
  7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours until beef is tender.
  8. Add the cooked beans, cumin, marjoram, chili powder, paprika, red pepper, sugar, and salt.
  9. Simmer uncovered for an additional 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  10. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, and 1 cup of water until smooth.
  11. Slowly stir the flour mixture into the chili while it simmers.
  12. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the chili thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency.
  13. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6


Amount Per Serving
Calories 886.4kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 51.3g79%
Saturated Fat 20.4g102%
Cholesterol 265.6mg89%
Sodium 252.0mg11%
Total Carbohydrate 7.9g3%
Dietary Fiber 3.1g13%
Sugars 3.7g
Protein 90.6g182%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: chili, beef, pinto beans, cumin, comfort food, slow cook, american, spicy, marjoram, hearty, meal prep, winter, dinner, protein, traditional, stew, comforting, easy, family favorite, slow simmer
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