Winter Warming Chili con Carne

Featured in: Family Dinners

This chili features tender chunks of beef simmered with beans, diced tomatoes, and a blend of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Slowly cooked to deepen flavors, it combines heartiness and warmth ideal for chilly evenings. Optional jalapeño and cayenne add heat, balanced by rich tomato paste and beef broth. Ideal served with sour cream, cheddar, cilantro, or lime wedges for a burst of freshness and creaminess.

Perfect for satisfying meals, this dish uses simple ingredients and traditional Tex-Mex spices. The slow simmering tenderizes the meat and melds flavors into a thick, flavorful stew. It can be paired with rice, cornbread, or tortilla chips for a complete, comforting experience.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 08:38:00 GMT
A steaming bowl of Winter Warming Chili con Carne, with rich brown beef and colorful peppers. Save
A steaming bowl of Winter Warming Chili con Carne, with rich brown beef and colorful peppers. | turbobaker.com

Winter Warming Chili con Carne A hearty, robust stew featuring tender beef, beans, and warming spices—perfect for cold winter nights.

This chili has been a family favorite during chilly evenings, warming us up from the inside out.

Ingredients

  • Meats: 2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck cut into 1/2-inch cubes, 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Vegetables: 1 large onion finely chopped, 3 cloves garlic minced, 1 red bell pepper diced, 1 green bell pepper diced, 1 jalapeño seeded and minced (optional for extra heat)
  • Canned Goods: 2 x 14 oz (400 g) cans diced tomatoes, 1 x 15 oz (425 g) can kidney beans drained and rinsed, 1 x 15 oz (425 g) can black beans drained and rinsed, 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • Spices & Seasonings: 2 tbsp chili powder, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste), 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Liquids: 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
  • Optional Toppings: Sour cream, Shredded cheddar cheese, Chopped cilantro, Sliced green onions, Lime wedges

Instructions

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Step 1:
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add beef and brown on all sides, working in batches if necessary. Remove and set aside.
Step 2:
In the same pot, add onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic, bell peppers, and jalapeño cook for another 3–4 minutes.
Step 3:
Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4:
Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Step 5:
Return browned beef to the pot. Add diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, kidney beans, and black beans. Stir well to combine.
Step 6:
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Step 7:
Remove the lid and simmer uncovered for an additional 30 minutes, or until the chili thickens and beef is tender.
Step 8:
Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Serve hot with your choice of toppings.
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Provides cushioned comfort while cooking, prepping meals, washing dishes, and standing longer in the kitchen.
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Product image
Provides cushioned comfort while cooking, prepping meals, washing dishes, and standing longer in the kitchen.
Check price on Amazon
Close-up of a bubbling pot of Winter Warming Chili con Carne, releasing savory aromas and warmth. Save
Close-up of a bubbling pot of Winter Warming Chili con Carne, releasing savory aromas and warmth. | turbobaker.com

This recipe has brought our family together many times during cold nights, making the kitchen smell like home.

Required Tools

Large Dutch oven or heavy pot, Chefs knife, Cutting board, Wooden spoon, Ladle

Allergen Information

Contains None of the major allergens (milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy) unless toppings are used. If using sour cream or cheese, contains dairy. Always check canned goods and toppings for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories 420, Total Fat 13 g, Carbohydrates 33 g, Protein 40 g (per serving without toppings)

Garnished Winter Warming Chili con Carne, ready to eat, served with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge. Save
Garnished Winter Warming Chili con Carne, ready to eat, served with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge. | turbobaker.com
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Stir sauces, sauté vegetables, and serve meals gently while adding a charming touch to everyday cooking.
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This chili perfects comfort food with layers of flavor and warmth that linger after every bite.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What cuts of beef work best for this dish?

Beef chuck cut into cubes is ideal because it becomes tender during slow cooking and adds rich flavor.

Can the spiciness be adjusted?

Yes, reduce or omit jalapeño and cayenne pepper for a milder taste without sacrificing depth.

How do the beans affect the texture?

Kidney and black beans provide creaminess and body, balancing the meat and spices nicely.

What cooking vessel is recommended?

A heavy pot or Dutch oven evenly distributes heat, ensuring slow, consistent simmering for tender results.

What toppings complement this dish best?

Sour cream, shredded cheddar, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and lime wedges add freshness and contrast.

Winter Warming Chili con Carne

Hearty blend of beef, beans, and warming spices for cozy cold nights.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Time to Cook
90 minutes
Total Duration
110 minutes
Written by Justin Reed


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Tex-Mex

Amount 6 Number of Servings

Diet Info No Gluten

What You Need

Meats

01 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
02 2 tablespoons olive oil

Vegetables

01 1 large onion, finely chopped
02 3 cloves garlic, minced
03 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 1 green bell pepper, diced
05 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)

Canned Goods

01 2 cans (14 oz each) diced tomatoes
02 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
03 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
04 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Spices & Seasonings

01 2 tablespoons chili powder
02 2 teaspoons ground cumin
03 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 1 teaspoon dried oregano
05 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
06 1 teaspoon salt
07 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Liquids

01 2 cups beef broth

How to Cook

Step 01

Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes and brown on all sides in batches if needed. Remove and set aside.

Step 02

Sauté vegetables: In the same pot, sauté onions for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add garlic, red and green bell peppers, and jalapeño; cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 03

Add spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 04

Incorporate tomato paste: Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Step 05

Combine main ingredients: Return browned beef to the pot. Add diced tomatoes with juice, beef broth, kidney beans, and black beans. Stir thoroughly to combine.

Step 06

Simmer covered: Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Step 07

Simmer uncovered: Remove lid and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes or until chili thickens and beef is tender.

Step 08

Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with optional toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheddar, cilantro, green onions, and lime wedges.

What You'll Need

  • Large Dutch oven or heavy pot
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon
  • Ladle

Allergy Details

Double-check each ingredient for possible allergens and always check with your doctor if you're unsure.
  • Potential dairy if using sour cream or cheese toppings; otherwise free from major allergens such as milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soy.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Nutritional info is meant to guide, but it's not medical advice.
  • Calorie Count: 420
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Proteins: 40 g