Tex-Mex Chili Con Carne

The good news is this delicious Chili Con Carne recipe is low-carb/keto, nut-free, egg-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free.

This Chili is a Tex-Mex-inspired concoction that celebrates sweet, bold flavors and comforting textures, making it a beloved favorite for gatherings or cozy nights in that can be eaten any time of the year. Whether enjoyed as a comforting weeknight meal for the family or a crowd-pleasing party dish, it 100% promises to delight and impress with irresistible charm.

The magic truly happens with the addition of a carefully curated blend of spices, diced tomatoes, tomato puree, kidney beans, chocolate, and bold red wine, all of which create a lusciously thick and hearty base. The key to a harmonious fusion of flavors is the simmering and occasional stirring; it produces a tantalizingly rich and aromatic medley.

What’s To Love?

💕 While it simmers, you can do other things, and it often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded together.
💕 It’s packed with protein from the meat and beans, and depending on how you make it, it can also be rich in vitamins and fiber.
💕 Tastes as good as it looks with its rich, bold flavors, making it a fantastic dish for entertaining guests.
💕 It’s a substantial dish with a satisfying blend of meat, beans, and spices that fills you up.
💕 There’s something inherently comforting about a steaming bowl of chili, and the addition of chorizo takes it to another level of coziness.
💕 It’s a classic comfort food that warms you up on a cold day and feels like a hug in a bowl.
💕 Is a surefire crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
💕 Often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together.

Have you already tried Chili Con Carne? If so, let us know how it was…we can’t wait to hear all about it!

Chili Con Carne Origin

Chili con carne, often referred to as “chili or chili beef,” has a rich and storied history that dates back to the early settlers of the American Southwest, particularly in the region now Texas. It is believed that the dish originated in the mid-19th century, combining culinary traditions of Mexican immigrants, Native American cuisine, and cowboy culture.

Chili con carne’s origins are unclear, but it’s thought that “Chili Queens” in San Antonio created it. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they served spicy stew made with cheap meat, chili peppers, and spices to tourists, laborers, and soldiers.

Chili con carne may have originated as a staple dish among cowboys during the 19th century. They would cook large pots of chili using ingredients like dried beef, chili peppers, garlic, onions, and various spices over an open fire.

Chili con carne gained popularity in Texas and beyond, spreading across the US as settlers and immigrants carried the recipe. Today, it remains a beloved comfort food around the world.

Let’s Talk Ingredients

We feel every ingredient adds to the overall taste and texture; if you remove one, it’s like you’ve removed them all.

• Mince — use beef steak mince, as other varieties can be low quality.
• Chorizo — we use chili chorizo variety, but it’s also great without.
• Onion — use red onion for sweetness.
• Tomatoes — use canned plum tomatoes as they produce a better flavor.
• Beans — use canned red kidney beans with or without chili.
• Wine — use a Spanish red wine such as Rioja.
• Tomato Puree — is used purely to provide a natural deep color.
• Garlic Cloves — provides a subtle garlic flavor.
• Spices — use dried oregano, chili powder, and smokey paprika to give it an aromatic taste and a deep red color.
• Cocoa Powder — it creates an intense, delicious color to the dish. Comes in natural and Dutch versions. Any unsweetened will work! The quality of the cocoa makes all the difference; the brands we like are Green & Blacks and Callebaut.
• Oil —  use rice bran oil because it withstands high temperatures.
• Salt — use Himalayan salt; it brings out the flavor and offsets the sweetness. 

For more detailed ingredients, see the recipe card.

Customizations

Here are some foodie alternatives should you want to make some changes:

• Mince — use textured protein for a vegan or vegetarian option.
• Chorizo — use vegan or vegetarian chorizo sausages.
• Garlic Cloves — use 3 tsp of garlic puree for convenience.
• Wine — use red wine stock pot instead of buying a bottle of wine.
• Onions — use white onions. 

When substituting ingredients, it’s essential to remember that the taste, texture, and overall result might differ, particularly if you’re substituting many ingredients.

If you have made the Chili Con Carne with any customizations, we’d love to hear about it; please message us in the comments.

Instructions – Overview

Chili Con Carne is easy to make and is even easier to eat. Here’s a breakdown of how to get started on your baking journey (more detailed instructions are in the recipe card):

▶︎ Peel and dice the onion, garlic, and chorizo. Slice the chorizo about ½cm thick, then cut each slice into quarters. Set aside. Then, heat the oil in the frying pan. Add the diced onion and garlic. Saute for 1-2 minutes, then transfer to a dish to set aside. Add the beef steak mince to the frying pan and gently sear. Once seared and browned, turn the heat to its lowest setting.

▶︎ Add the onion back to the frying pan. Then, add the remaining ingredients and combine well. Turn the heat up to a medium setting. Cook and stir for about 5 minutes to bring the heat up. Turn the heat to a simmering point and cook for 20-25 minutes. Serve the chili hot with boiled rice, topped with your favorite toppings.

For more detailed instructions, notes, and ideas…see the recipe card.

Tools You’ll Need

Want to make the best Chili Con Carne? Using the correct equipment for preparation is essential; we think they’re a big helping hand. We understand that you might already have some of these kitchen tools to make this recipe, or you might want to use other tools and may not require our recommendations. Here are some of our suggestions to get you started:

• Frying Pan to cook the Chili Con Carne.
• Saucepan to cook boiled rice.
• Mini Chopper – to finely chop the onion, etc, or use a sharp knife.
• Chopping Board – to chop the chorizo.
• Silicone Spatula – for stirring and incorporating all the ingredients smoothly.
• Weighing Scales and Measuring Spoons – to measure the ingredients accurately.
• Garlic Press – or use a mini chopper.

If you love those gadgets for this recipe, then you’ll love this Kitchenaid frying pan (skillet). It’s our go-to for many of our recipes, and we think every budding chef needs it.

Check out our favorite kitchen equipment that we love to use with all our recipes.

Storing

See our FAQs for detailed instructions on storing, refrigeration, freezing, and defrosting and for answers to readers’ questions.

Do you have a question? If so, let us know in the comments and we’ll reply within 24-48 hours and add your question to our FAQs if relevant.

Pairing

Chili Con Carne is frequently eaten as a standalone, but it can easily be paired. Here are some suggestions and our favorite go-to’s what to eat with it:

Served piping hot and garnished with an array of pairings are rice, shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, jalapeños, guacamole, avocado, garlic bread, tortilla warps or cornbread, or rice. Here are our favorite go-to’s what to eat with it:

▶︎ The classic accompaniment is a delicious cornbread or garlic bread. Both provide a sweet and crumbly contrast to the spicy and savory flavors of chili con carne.

▶︎ Steamed white, brown rice, or Mexican Rice are simple, versatile side dishes that help balance the chili’s heat.

▶︎ Crispy tortilla chips are perfect for scooping up bites of chili con carne.

▶︎ Creamy avocado slices or Guacamole contrast the spicy chili beef with a cool and refreshing contrast.

▶︎ Tangy sour cream adds a creamy element to the chili and helps to cool down the spice for those who prefer a milder flavor.

▶︎ Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack cheeses melt beautifully over the hot chili, adding a savory richness and a gooey texture.

▶︎ For those who like it extra spicy, pickled jalapeños are the perfect addition to chili con carne.

▶︎ Grab a tortilla wrap and fill it with the leftovers; add salad, chili, sour cream, and grated cheese. Roll is it for the perfect wrap.

▶︎ A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty chili.

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⭐️ Quick Tip: Read the recipe in its entirety before you start. This will help you understand the ingredients, steps, and timing involved, and allow you to prepare any necessary equipment or ingredients beforehand. Voila…you’re all set to go!

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FAQ’s & Troubleshooting

By addressing these FAQs and troubleshooting tips, you can overcome common challenges and create a delicious batch of Chili Con Carne every time.

Your Questions Matter

Do you have a question? If so, let us know in the comments and we’ll reply within 24-48 hours and add your question to our FAQs if relevant. If you don’t already follow us, head over to our Twitter or Facebook to keep up to date with all our new recipes and articles.

For food safety top tips, check out USDA.gov.