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Hearty Chili Con Carne Recipe with Beer and Kidney Beans Recipe

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4.9 from 65 reviews

This hearty and flavorful Chili Con Carne features tender chunks of beef simmered with a blend of spices, peppers, tomatoes, and kidney beans. Perfect for a comforting meal, it develops rich depth as it slowly cooks to a thick and savory stew, ideal for serving topped with sour cream, cheese, and fresh cilantro.

Ingredients

Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 2 teaspoons oregano
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes

Beef

  • 3 lbs. boneless beef chuck, cut into chunks
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/3 cup flour
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more as needed

Chili Base

  • 12 oz. beer
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 2 jalapeno peppers, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons masa harina (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons hot sauce
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 28 oz. crushed tomatoes
  • 10 oz. diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 16 oz. kidney beans, drained

Instructions

  1. Combine Seasonings: Add chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes to a small bowl and stir until well combined. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the Beef: Pat beef chunks completely dry. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and 2 teaspoons of the seasoning mixture. Toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle flour over the beef and toss again to coat.
  3. Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or a soup pot over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the beef chunks for 1 to 1 ½ minutes per batch, tossing periodically to develop a crisp sear around the edges. Avoid overcrowding to prevent steaming. Remove seared beef and set aside. The interior will remain uncooked.
  4. Deglaze the Pot: Pour beer into the hot pot and use a silicone spatula to scrape the bottom and sides, loosening browned bits. Allow the beer to bubble and reduce by about half, approximately 7 to 8 minutes.
  5. Sauté Vegetables and Add Remaining Seasonings: Add butter, diced onion, jalapeno peppers, and green bell pepper to the pot. Cook and soften for 5 minutes. Then add the remaining seasoning mixture, minced garlic, brown sugar, tomato paste, optional masa harina, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Stir well and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
  6. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in diced tomatoes with green chilies, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
  7. Simmer with Beef: Return the seared beef and any accumulated juices to the pot. Simmer gently, uncovered, for 3 to 3 ½ hours. Periodically stir with a silicone spatula to prevent sticking and encourage thickening.
  8. Incorporate Kidney Beans: When the chili has thickened and reached the desired consistency, stir in the drained kidney beans and heat through for 10 to 15 minutes.
  9. Final Seasoning Adjustments: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding extra brown sugar, spice, or salt to preference after simmering fully to allow flavors to meld.
  10. Serve: Remove bay leaves. Serve the chili hot, garnished with sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro as desired.

Notes

  • If masa harina is unavailable, you can omit it; it helps to thicken the chili slightly.
  • Using beer adds depth and richness; substitute with additional beef broth if preferred or to keep alcohol out.
  • Searing beef in batches ensures a better crust and flavor without steaming.
  • For a spicier chili, increase cayenne pepper or add extra hot sauce at the end.
  • Simmering uncovered helps reduce and concentrate flavors—don’t rush this step.
  • Sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro are traditional toppings that enhance flavor and texture.
  • Adjust the salt and sugar only after the chili has fully cooked to avoid over-seasoning.

Find it online: https://mealsbykate.com/hearty-chili-con-carne-recipe-with-beer-and-kidney-beans-recipe/