Chili Con Carne

This hearty chili con carne is a flavorful comfort food classic made with seasoned ground beef, beans, tomatoes and fresh chili for extra depth and heat. Served with fluffy rice, creamy crème fraîche, shredded cheese and crispy tortilla chips, this easy dinner becomes a colorful and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners, casual entertaining or cozy weekends.

Ingredients

Serves 4

Chili Con Carne

500 g (1.1 lb) ground beef
2 yellow onions, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 fresh red chili, finely chopped
400 g (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 cans (415 g / 14.5 oz) baked beans in tomato sauce
1 beef stock cube
2 tsp chili powder
2 tsp paprika powder
1½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp Japanese soy sauce
1 tbsp olive oil

To Serve

Cooked rice
Crème fraîche
Finely shredded cheese
Tortilla chips
Fresh chili slices (optional)

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
Add the chopped onions and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and fresh chili and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
Stir in chili powder, paprika powder and black pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes to allow the spices to develop their flavor.
Add soy sauce, crushed tomatoes and beef stock cube. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
Let the chili simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have developed and the sauce has thickened.
Add the baked beans in tomato sauce and simmer for another 10–15 minutes until the chili has thickened and the flavors have developed.
Serve the chili hot with cooked rice, crème fraîche, shredded cheese and crispy tortilla chips.

Notes & Pro Tips

Letting the chili simmer longer will deepen the flavor and create a richer texture.
The fresh chili adds a brighter heat compared to dried chili powder and can be adjusted depending on your preferred spice level.
For the best balance, serve with a generous spoonful of crème fraîche to cool the spices and add creaminess.
Sharp cheddar or a mature cheese adds extra flavor and melts beautifully over the warm chili.
Chili con carne often tastes even better the next day, making it a great make-ahead meal.

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