Traditional Mexican Chili Con Carne

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

A hearty, smoky meat stew with kidney beans, tomatoes, and a blend of Mexican spices for a bold, authentic flavor. This mexican-inspired latin american ready in about 60 minutes pairs ground beef, (15 oz) kidney beans, (14 oz) tomato sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned, then add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Stir in cumin, oregano, and chipotle peppers, then add tomato sauce and coconut milk. Bring to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Fold in kidney beans and cook for 10 minutes until heated through. Serve with warm cornbread or rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Traditional Mexican 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 Traditional 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 Traditional 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 Traditional 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 Traditional Mexican Chili Con Carne?

Mexican latin american 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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