Fiery Chili Con Carne

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A smoky, spicy stew inspired by the crackling heat of fire, packed with bold flavors. This mexican ready in about 60 minutes pairs Ground beef, Kidney beans, Diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown 1.5 lbs ground beef, breaking it into crumbles, until golden.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp cumin, and 1 tsp paprika. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 cans diced tomatoes, 1 can kidney beans, and 4 cups water. Simmer for 30 minutes, then stir in 1/4 cup cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Fiery Chili Con Carne take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Fiery Chili Con Carne?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Fiery Chili Con Carne?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Fiery Chili Con Carne for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Fiery Chili Con Carne?

Mexican mexican like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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