Ultimate Slow-Cooked Chili Con Carne
A rich, smoky chili with tender beef, kidney beans, and smoky paprika for a hearty, soul-warming dish. This mexican ready in about 105 minutes pairs ground beef, onion, bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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.
Ingredients
- 1.25 lbs ground beef
- 1 medium, diced onion
- 1 medium, diced bell pepper
- 1 can (15 oz), drained kidney beans
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp (for depth of flavor) coffee
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1.25 lbs ground beef, cook for 5 minutes until browned, then add 1 diced onion and 1 diced bell pepper. Sauté for 8 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp cumin, and 2 tbsp coffee. Cook for 2 minutes until aromatic. Add 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 can kidney beans, and 2 cups water. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve with shredded cheese or cornbread.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ultimate Slow-Cooked Chili Con Carne take to make?
Total time is about 105 minutes (15 min prep + 90 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 Ultimate Slow-Cooked 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 Ultimate Slow-Cooked 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 Ultimate Slow-Cooked 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 Ultimate Slow-Cooked 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
