Variants of the chili recipe

According to MenuCochon: Slow cooker chili recipe: prepare the ingredients as indicated above, then cook for 6 hours at low temperature for a more tender result. Vegetarian chili recipe: replace the meat with crumbled tofu, quinoa, or lentils. You will obtain a delicious vegan chili healthy recipe. Spicy Mexican chili recipe: add a jalapeño pepper or habanero pepper to recreate the authentic taste of Mexico. Quebec chili recipe: many Quebec families adapt the chili by adding maple syrup or serving it with country bread.

Tips for a successful chili con carne

According to MenuCochon: Properly seasoning: the chili should be flavorful but not too spicy, especially if serving to children. Long simmering: the longer the chili simmers, the more flavors develop. Preparing ahead: the chili tastes better reheated the next day. Varied accompaniments: rice, nachos, tortillas, or even a bit of sour cream to temper the spiciness.

Traditional chili con carne irresistible

Name: Traditional Mexican Chili con Carne
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 110 min
Yield: 6 portions
Cuisine: Plats principaux Boeuf
Ingredients: 500 g ground beef (or half beef, half pork); 2 chopped yellow onions; 3 g minced garlic; 2 chopped red bell peppers; 2 canned tomatoes (800 g); 400 g red kidney beans (drained and rinsed); 1 corn (optional); 2 tbsp tomato paste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste); 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 bay leaf; 2 cup beef broth; Salt and pepper to taste; fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish

FR|EN

Beef Main Dishes

Traditional Mexican Chili con Carne

Prep20 min

Cook90 min

Servings6

DifficultyMedium

By Menucochon|

September 14, 2025

|Updated: Apr 6, 2026

Beef Main Dishes

Traditional Mexican Chili con Carne

Prep20 min

Cook90 min

Servings6

DifficultyMedium

By Menucochon|

September 14, 2025

|Updated: Apr 6, 2026

Chili con carne is a classic dish from Mexican cuisine, loved for its bold flavors and simplicity. Made with ground meat, kidney beans, tomatoes, and a mix of spices, this hearty stew is ideal for family dinners or casual get-togethers. It's a comforting dish that brings people together.

Ingredients

Servings

420 kcal

Preparation

Instructions

0/7

Prepare the aromatic base
In a large saucepan, heat olive oil. Add onions and garlic, then sauté for 3 minutes until they are translucent.
Brown the meat
Add ground meat to the saucepan and sauté over medium-high heat while stirring with a wooden spoon. Cook until well browned.
Add vegetables and spices
Add bell peppers, then season with cumin, paprika, chili powder, oregano, and bay leaf. Stir well to coat the meat and vegetables.
Add tomato sauce
Add canned tomatoes, tomato puree, and beef broth. Stir and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer gently for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add beans
Add red kidney beans and, if desired, corn. Simmer for another 30 minutes over low heat so that all the flavors meld together.
Adjust seasoning
Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or spiciness to your liking.
Serve
Serve the chili con carne hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lemon slices. Serve it with white rice, nachos, or tortillas to make a complete meal.

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Our Tips

Chef's tips for making this recipe

For an even richer flavor, let the chili simmer longer to enhance its depth. Adding a bit of dark chocolate can give it a unique and delightful twist. Leftovers freeze beautifully, making it a convenient meal for later. Serve it with tortillas or cornbread for an authentic touch.

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Serving Suggestions

This chili con carne is a beloved dish, both in Mexico and here in Quebec. It's easy to make and can be adapted to suit any preference, whether you like it spicy, mild, vegetarian, or slow-cooked. Try it at your next family dinner for a cozy and flavorful experience everyone will enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

2 questions about this recipe

Slow cooker chili recipe: prepare the ingredients as indicated above, then cook for 6 hours at low temperature for a more tender result.
Vegetarian chili recipe: replace the meat with crumbled tofu, quinoa, or lentils. You will obtain a delicious vegan chili healthy recipe.
Spicy Mexican chili recipe: add a jalapeño pepper or habanero pepper to recreate the authentic taste of Mexico.
Quebec chili recipe: many Quebec families adapt the chili by adding maple syrup or serving it with country bread.