Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H. Let’s discuss this wonderful meal in a bowl. The chili sauce is made with chili powders or dried chilies that are rehydrated and cooked into a sauce, usually with onions and garlic, and seasonings like cumin and oregano. It was originally a working class dish, something easy to prepare with basic ingredients, though it has spread in popularity due to its incredible flavor. It is named by Texas as it’s official state food. However, be prepared for “chili con carne” purists to argue that chili doesn’t contain beans. Beans or no beans, it’s great either way! I’ll take both! Let’s talk about how to make chili con carne, shall we? Process the peppers in a blender with a bit of soaking liquid until very smooth. Set them aside then cook down the fresh peppers, onion, and garlic, then the reserved chili sauce with your seasonings. Simmer the chili con carne, covered, about 2 hours, or until the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender. Similar cuts of beef work as well, like brisket or rump roast, or cuts of pork like pork shoulder. You can make chili con carne with more tender cuts of beef or pork, like flank steak, ribeye, or tenderloin, but you will need to cut down on your cooking time. You can also make it with ground beef or other ground meats, which is a great time-saving solution. To do so, cook down your peppers and onions and brown the seasoned meat in a pan first with oil or bacon fat, then add them to your slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Slow cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the meat cooks through and the flavors meld. Stir it up occasionally. Then, serve in bowls with your favorite fixings. Super easy! I usually like to keep it simple with spicy chili flakes and fresh chopped cilantro, and sometimes sliced roasted jalapenos or serrano peppers. That’s it, my friends! I hope you enjoy the way I make my chili con carne. Let me know how it turns out for you. And please let me know if you include beans and/or tomatoes with yours. I’m super curious to hear your preference! NOTE: This recipe was updated on 12/11/23 to include new information, photos, and video. It was originally published on 1/9/19.
