Name: Tex-Mex Chili Con Carne
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 500 grams Beef Steak Mince; 150 grams Chorizo; 1 large Red Onion (or white); 400 ml Canned Plum Tomatoes; 400 ml Canned Red Kidney Beans; 200 ml Red Wine (full bodied); 50 grams Tomato Puree; 3 Garlic Cloves (or 2 tsp garlic puree); 1 tsp Dried Oregano; ½-1 tsp Chili Powder (your favorite); 2 tsp Smoked Paprika; 2 tsp Cocoa Powder; 1 pinch Himalayan Salt; 2 tbsp Rice Bran Oil (or other)

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.

Hard-wearing KitchenAid Frying Pan with heavy-gauge forged aluminum, fast heating, extreme durability, scratch resistance, 3-layer German-engineered non-stick coating, matte stainless steel handles for a cool and secure grip, induction-ready, oven safe up to 220°C, dishwasher safe and stackable for easy storage.

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.

More Recipes

Here are some other delicious recipes that we think you might also like:

Yum Creamy Pesto Tagliatelle

Hearty Sausage Casserole

Creamy Chicken Bacon Bake

Tomato Cheesy Meatballs (Polpette)

Thank you for checking out Chili Con Carne!

We hope you enjoy making and eating it! Let us know how you get along, and please rate using the ⭐️ by the comments. HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest for all of our latest updates. Happy Baking!

⭐️ 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!

⭐️ Please note that some of our posts may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases, and any sales made through such links will reward us with a small commission at no extra cost to you. [Read More]

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.

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge when cool or within an hour of removing them from the oven. They should be kept refrigerated and eaten within three to four days.

Chili Con Carne can be frozen in portions in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Store in the refrigerator in the original container for a few hours or overnight before serving.

Chili Con Carne often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld. Consider reheating leftovers for a delicious second meal by popping it in the microwave on high for about 3-4 minutes or simmering in a pan on the stove until piping hot.

Yes, you can; however, it tastes better served reheated than cold.

Chili Con Carne can be made ahead of time and reheated. It often tastes even better the next day because the flavors continue to develop.

To make a vegetarian Chili Con Carne, you can replace the meat with lentils or textured protein. Cook it the same way but do not saute. The chorizo can be substituted with meatless chorizo sausages or omitted entirely.

Yes, you can make chili con carne without beans if you prefer. While beans are a common ingredient in many chili recipes, they are not strictly necessary. You can omit or replace them with other ingredients like corn or additional vegetables.

For convenience, chili con carne can be made in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Simply brown the meat and sauté the aromatics before transferring everything to the slow cooker.

If your chili con carne turns out thicker than you’d like, slowly add more wine.

If your Chili is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for a little longer. This allows excess liquid to evaporate, resulting in a thicker chili. Alternatively, mix a small amount of cornstarch or masa harina (corn flour) with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the chili and simmer until thickened.

If your chili is too spicy for your taste, there are a few ways to mellow out the heat. You can add a sweetener such as sugar or honey to balance the spiciness, stir in some dairy, like sour cream or shredded cheese, to help temper the heat, or add more tomatoes or tomato sauce to dilute the spiciness.

If you prefer your chili to be spicier, add more chili powder or fresh chili peppers. Alternatively, stir in a few dashes of hot sauce or chili paste for an extra kick.

If your meat is tough or dry, it may have been overcooked. To prevent this, avoid overcooking the meat during the initial browning stage and simmer the chili gently over low heat until the meat is tender.

You can also use a more tender cut of meat or add a small amount of additional wine to help keep the meat moist.

If your chili lacks flavor, it may need more seasoning. Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, chili powder, or other spices to enhance the flavor. You can also try adding a splash of vinegar or lime juice to brighten the flavors.

If the sauce separates or becomes oily, it may be due to using too fatty meat. Try draining off excess fat after browning the meat or using leaner meat.
Stirring too vigorously while cooking can also cause the sauce to separate. Stir gently and occasionally to prevent this.

An unpleasant aftertaste could be due to burnt garlic or overcooked herbs. Be mindful of cooking times and temperatures to avoid burning ingredients.
Using fresh, high-quality ingredients can also help prevent any undesirable flavors.

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.

have you already tried this Tex-Mex Chili Con Carne? if so, let us know how it was…we can’t wait to hear all about it! For more yum recipes subscribe to our newsletter!

Sharon – Foodie Blogger

I’m a full-time food blogger, mother of 3 grown adults and 3 huskies. Most days you can find me in the kitchen creating new recipes, I love cooking indulgent bakes and love sharing them. I am lucky to connect with and inspire people from all around the world and help you on your cooking journey so you can eat in style!

Tex-Mex Chili Con Carne