Easy Ina Garten Chili Con Carne Recipe: Perfect Comfort Food

Ina Garten’s chili con carne represents a heartwarming culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a soul-satisfying meal.

Robust and complex, this dish weaves together layers of deep, smoky flavors that dance across your palate.

Hearty ingredients merge to create a comforting sensation that speaks directly to hunger and happiness.

Spices intermingle with tender meat, building an intricate profile that elevates home cooking beyond mere sustenance.

Mediterranean and southwestern influences shine through each carefully selected component, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Regional cooking traditions blend seamlessly in this rustic preparation that feels both familiar and exciting.

Balanced and nuanced, this recipe promises a delectable journey through rich, warming sensations that will leave you craving another spoonful:

Tips for a Savory Ina Garten Chili Con Carne

• Amplify Flavor Depth: Develop rich taste by letting chili rest overnight, allowing spices and ingredients to blend and intensify.
• Freeze with Finesse: Pack cooled chili in airtight containers, storing up to 3 months for effortless future meals.
• Customize Spice Levels: Modify cayenne pepper quantity strategically to control heat without disrupting overall flavor complexity.
• Enhance Texture Play: Mix different bean varieties like kidney, black, and pinto for unique mouthfeel and taste dimensions.
• Transform Tomato Consistency: Use hand blender to partially puree tomatoes, creating smooth yet chunky sauce that adds rustic character.

Safekeeping Ina Garten Chili Con Carne

• Vacuum Seal Method: Extract all air from a specialized bag using a vacuum sealer before storing chili. This technique dramatically extends the shelf life up to 7-9 days, preventing freezer burn and maintaining peak flavor intensity.
• Portioning Method: Divide chili into individual serving-sized containers before refrigeration. Choose glass or heavy-duty plastic containers with tight-fitting lids, ensuring each portion stays fresh and easy to reheat without waste.
• Layering Method: Create a protective barrier by placing plastic wrap directly on the chili's surface before sealing the container. This technique minimizes air exposure, reduces oxidation, and prevents flavor degradation during refrigeration, keeping your hearty meal tasting freshly made.

Creative Variations on Ina Garten Chili Con Carne

• Veggie Champion: Replace ground beef with a mix of hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant for a robust vegetarian version that maintains the rich, satisfying texture of the original chili.
• Spicy Southwest Fusion: Incorporate chorizo sausage instead of ground beef, add roasted poblano peppers, and include a splash of tequila during cooking to create a more intense, southwestern-inspired flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Mediterranean Spin: Swap ground beef for ground lamb, introduce Mediterranean spices like oregano and smoked paprika, and top with crumbled feta cheese and fresh mint for a unique cross-cultural interpretation of the classic chili.
• Smoky Protein Powerhouse: Use a combination of ground turkey and black beans, add smoked chipotle peppers, and include a small amount of dark chocolate to create a deep, complex flavor that elevates the traditional chili recipe.

Looking Back at Ina Garten Chili Con Carne

Culinary magic happens when classic ingredients blend with Ina Garten’s signature touch in this chili con carne.

Robust flavors dance through each spoonful, telling stories of comfort and warmth.

Rich beef mingles with aromatic spices, creating a symphony of taste that warms souls.

Hearty beans and vibrant vegetables elevate this dish beyond ordinary expectations.

Comforting yet sophisticated, this recipe promises to become a kitchen staple for weeknight dinners and gatherings.

Passionate cooks will find pure delight in each carefully crafted bite – so grab your pot, unleash creativity, and let deliciousness reign supreme.

Ready to share this culinary adventure?

Snap a photo, spread the love across social channels, and watch connections simmer as deliciously as this spectacular chili.

Why Ina Garten Chili Con Carne Packs Flavor

• Savor Rich, Complex Flavors: This chili con carne delivers a symphony of tastes that dance on your palate. Warm spices like cumin and chili powder blend perfectly with the deep, meaty beef and sweet bell peppers, creating a robust and satisfying flavor profile that feels like a culinary hug.
• Master an Easy One-Pot Wonder: The recipe simplifies cooking with a straightforward method that requires minimal kitchen skills. Everything comes together in a single pot, reducing cleanup time and making it perfect for home cooks who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Customize Your Comfort Meal: Versatility makes this chili a crowd-pleaser for any gathering. Top with cheese, sour cream, or scallions to personalize each serving. Adjust spice levels to suit different palates, making it ideal for family dinners, game nights, or casual weekend meals.
• Enjoy a Hearty, Nutritious Dish: Packed with protein from beef and beans, plus vegetables like peppers and onions, this chili offers a balanced meal that fills you up and provides essential nutrients. Its slow-simmered method ensures deep flavor development and tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Key Elements for Ina Garten Chili Con Carne

• Ground Beef: Rich, hearty meat that forms the foundational flavor of the chili. Choose ground beef with moderate fat content for better taste and moisture.
• Kidney Beans, Black Beans: Protein-packed legumes that add texture and earthy flavor. Canned beans work well after thorough draining and rinsing.

• Onions, Red Bell Pepper, Yellow Bell Pepper: Aromatic vegetables that create a deep, sweet base for the chili. Fresh, firm vegetables with vibrant colors provide the best taste and texture.
• Garlic: Intense flavor booster that adds depth to the entire dish. Choose fresh garlic cloves for maximum flavor.

• Olive Oil: Cooking fat that helps sauté vegetables and prevent sticking. Choose extra virgin olive oil for better flavor.
• Whole Peeled Plum Tomatoes: Provides rich, tangy liquid base for the chili. Canned tomatoes with good quality and no added preservatives work best.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Coriander, Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: Spice blend that creates complex, warm flavor profile. Fresh, high-quality spices ensure maximum taste.

• Sour Cream, Cheddar Cheese, Scallions: Toppings that add extra layers of flavor and texture. Fresh ingredients enhance the final presentation.

How to Make Ina Garten Chili Con Carne

Step 1: Prepare Aromatic Vegetable Base

• Chopped onions
• Red bell pepper
• Yellow bell pepper
• Minced garlic cloves

Sauté vegetables for 10 minutes until soft and fragrant, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Cook Ground Beef

Add ground beef to the vegetable mixture. Break meat into small chunks using a wooden spoon. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring regularly until beef is completely browned and no pink remains.

Step 3: Create Spicy Tomato Sauce

• Whole peeled plum tomatoes
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Ground coriander
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper

Crush tomatoes with a fork or potato masher to create a chunky sauce.

Step 4: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and allow flavors to blend.

Step 5: Add Beans and Final Cooking

Stir in 2 (15-ounce) cans of drained and rinsed kidney beans. Continue simmering for an additional 20 minutes until chili thickens and beans are heated through.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

• Sour cream
• Shredded Cheddar cheese
• Chopped scallions
• Fresh cilantro

Serve immediately with cornbread or rice if desired.

Ina Garten Chili Con Carne Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s chili con carne brings hearty Texan comfort to dinner tables with rich, robust flavors. Seasoned ground beef, aromatic spices, and slow-simmered beans create a warming meal that draws everyone to the kitchen.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 cans (28-ounce each) whole peeled plum tomatoes in puree, undrained
• 2 cans kidney beans, pinto beans, or black beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2 cups chopped onions (2 onions)
• 1 cup chopped red bell peppers (1 pepper)
• 1 cup chopped yellow bell peppers (1 pepper)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Grated Cheddar cheese
• Chopped scallions

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Instructions

1. Prepare vegetable base by heating olive oil (30 milliliters or 2 tablespoons) in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Gently sauté finely chopped onions, diced red and yellow bell peppers, and minced garlic until they become soft and fragrant, approximately 8-10 minutes.
2. Introduce ground beef to the vegetable mixture, using a wooden spoon to break the meat into small, uniform crumbles. Cook the meat thoroughly, stirring intermittently, until it transforms from pink to a rich, deep brown color, which typically takes 8-12 minutes.
3. Crush whole peeled plum tomatoes directly into the pot, incorporating their puree. Sprinkle in a robust blend of spices: chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for subtle heat.
4. Elevate the heat momentarily to trigger a gentle boil, then immediately reduce to a low simmer. Allow the mixture to cook uncovered for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and encourage flavor integration.
5. Incorporate thoroughly rinsed and drained kidney beans and black beans into the simmering chili. Gently fold the beans throughout the mixture, ensuring even distribution. Continue simmering for an additional 15-20 minutes until the chili reaches a thick, hearty consistency.
6. Serve the chili piping hot in individual bowls. Enhance the dish with optional garnishes: a generous dollop of sour cream, freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, and thinly sliced scallions to provide contrasting textures and complementary flavors.

Notes

• Freeze leftovers in portioned containers for quick, satisfying meals during busy weeknights.
• Customize your chili experience by experimenting with toppings like fresh cilantro, sour cream, or shredded cheese.
• Low and slow cooking transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary comfort food masterpiece.
• Invest in fresh spices to elevate the depth and complexity of your chili’s flavor profile.
• Choose ground beef with a bit of fat for maximum juiciness and rich taste.
• Simmering allows the ingredients to meld together, creating a truly unforgettable dining experience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 500 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg