Slow-Cooked Chili Con Carne with Ancho and Chipotle Peppers
A hearty, smoky chili simmered low and slow with tender beef, ancho and chipotle peppers, and rich spices for a deep Texan flavor. This mexican-inspired soups ready in about 120 minutes turns ground beef, large, diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 8, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. 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
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 large, diced yellow onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp ancho chili powder
- 1 tbsp chipotle chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 28 oz can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 15 oz can, drained and rinsed kidney beans
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 large diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and soft.
- Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Increase heat to medium-high and add 2 lbs ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no pink remains.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp ancho chili powder, 1 tbsp chipotle chili powder, 1 tbsp cumin, and 1 tsp dried oregano. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices and release aromas.
- Step 5: Mix in 3 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until it darkens slightly.
- Step 6: Pour in 28 oz diced tomatoes with their juices and 2 cups beef broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
- Step 7: Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer gently for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Step 8: After 1 hour, add 15 oz drained kidney beans, 1.5 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Simmer uncovered for another 30 minutes until chili thickens and flavors meld.
- Step 9: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving with your favorite toppings.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Chili Con Carne with Ancho and Chipotle Peppers take to make?
Total time is about 120 minutes (15 min prep + 105 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 Slow-Cooked Chili Con Carne with Ancho and Chipotle Peppers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Chili Con Carne with Ancho and Chipotle Peppers?
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 Slow-Cooked Chili Con Carne with Ancho and Chipotle Peppers for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Slow-Cooked Chili Con Carne with Ancho and Chipotle Peppers?
Mexican soups 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.
