Discovering a Classic

Chili Con Carne Recipe


Chili Con Carne Recipe

This dish, a staple of American comfort food with roots in Tex-Mex cuisine, combines ground beef, beans, and bold spices into a warming stew perfect for gatherings or chilly evenings.

The recipe is designed for large-scale cooking, yielding 24 generous 1.5-cup servings—ideal for potlucks, family reunions, or meal prepping. It’s a budget-friendly mix that relies on pantry staples and fresh basics.

Preparation is simple and stovetop-based: Start by browning the beef and onions in a large kettle until tender. Add the tomatoes, bean liquid, tomato sauce, and seasonings, then simmer uncovered. Thicken with a flour-water paste and cook slowly for about 45 minutes before stirring in the drained beans for a final 15-minute simmer. The result? A thick, flavorful chili that begs for toppings like cheese, sour cream, or cornbread on the side.

What makes this recipe shine is its scalability and ease—novice cooks can tackle it without fancy equipment. This page offers a reliable blueprint for crowd-pleasing chili. Give it a try next time you’re craving something savory and satisfying!


Chili Con Carne Recipe

   Ingredients required
8 lb ground beef
8 cups chopped onions
8 cans (1 lb 12 oz each) tomatoes
8 cans (1 lb each) kidney beans, drain (reserve liquid)
2 - 15 oz cans tomato sauce
1/4 cup sugar
6 tablespoons chili powder
8 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 cup water
3 tablespoons of salt

Instructions for Chili Con Carne Recipe

   Cook and stir ground beef and onion in large heavy kettle until meat is browned and onion is tender. Stir in tomatoes, liquid from kidney beans, tomato sauce and seasoning. Simmer uncovered and add the stirred smooth flour and water paste and cook slowly about 45 minutes. Add beans and simmer uncovered 15 minutes or until a desired consistency. Stir occasionally. Makes 24 servings - 1 1/2 cup portion.

Chili Con Carne Recipe