Mexican Chili Con Carne

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

A hearty, spiced chili made with ground beef, beans, and tomatoes, perfect for a cozy family dinner. This mexican-inspired one pot ready in about 65 minutes pairs Ground beef, medium (1/2 lb) Onion, Garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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: 25 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef and cook for 5 minutes, breaking into small pieces. Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to toast spices.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 diced tomatoes and 1 can black beans. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup corn kernels and 1 cup water. Cook for 5 minutes until the chili thickens. Serve hot with rice or tortillas.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mexican Chili Con Carne take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (25 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 Mexican 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 Mexican 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 Mexican 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 Mexican Chili Con Carne?

Mexican one pot 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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