Spicy Chili Con Carne

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

A hearty, smoky chili made with slow-cooked ground beef, beans, and smoky spices for a comforting meal. This mexican ready in about 55 minutes pairs ground beef, onion, bell peppers 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: 15 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 olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and 1 diced bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Stir in 2 cans diced tomatoes, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper. Bring to a simmer.
  3. Step 3: Cook for 20-25 minutes until the mixture thickens and the flavors meld. Serve with cooked rice or cornbread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Chili Con Carne take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 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 Spicy 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 Spicy 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 Spicy 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 Spicy 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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