Chili is one of those dishes that is hard to explain because it can be made in so many different ways. You can make it using beef chunks, ground beef, cubed pork, ground pork or a combination of pork, beef, Italian sausages and several other types of meats.
In this recipe we use kidney beans as the bean of choice however, you can use just about any type of bean you like or leave them out entirely.
There are many people who come from the school of thought that true Chili should not have beans in it at all. All their others that believe chili with beans is only good to cover hot dogs or nacho chips and cannot be a true entrée but only a sauce which accompanies an entrée or side dish which is made into an entrée.
What’s the difference between chili and chili con carne?
The word Chili refers to the peppers and the phrase con carne simply means with meat so that is what the original chili was. Years after chili was introduced the people began to add other ingredients such as beans and tomatoes, which made it the dish that we know today. So to answer the question, I don’t know what the difference because so many people call both by one name chili.
Chili is a dish full of protein but can be made even healthier by using cuts of meat such as ground turkey or ground chicken.
What are good things that can be served with chili?
Here’s my top 20 list
20 Sides To Make Chili A Meal
| Cornbread | Baked Potatoes | Red Jacket Mashed Potatoes | White Rice |
| Hush Puppies | Tater Tots | Breadsticks | Basmati Rice |
| Biscuits | Macaroni, cooked | Grits | Brown Rice |
| Cheddar Biscuits | Mashed Potatoes | Cheesy Grits | Fried Sweet Potato Wedges |
| French Bread, sliced | Garlic Mashed Potatoes | Grilled Cheese | Cole Slaw |
| Cheese Quesadillas | Cheesy Potato Skins | Sweet Potatoes | Garlic Bread |
| Nachos | Onion Rings | Soft Pretzels | Small Tossed Salad |
| Tortilla Chips | Fresh Salad | Chips & Guacamole | Sweet Potato Fries |
Tips
When making this recipe it is very important to season your meat when raw.
Browning your meat is also very important in order to get the best flavor. So make sure that you cook your meat completely then drain off the fat.
Do not serve chili immediately, let it sit for at least one hour if possible the next day is even better.
How to store and reheat your chili
You can store your chili in the refrigerator tightly wrapped and it should keep for up to four days.
To reheat chili con carne, microwave no more than 8 to 10 ounces for about two minutes or place in a sauce pan on the stove top over medium heat and bring to a simmer.
Can I freeze it?
Yes you can freeze chili con carne simply place in an airtight freezer safe container or freezer bag after the chili has cooled and store in the freezer up to 3 months.
Chili Con Carne Throw-Back Style
Ingredients
Instructions
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Season beef with salt, black pepper and half of the chili powder in a large pot. Cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink, crumble beef drain off fat and set aside.
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In the same pot, heat oil and saute´ onions and green pepper until tender.
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Add beef back to pot and all remaining ingredients, stir until well mixed then bring to a slow simmer and let simmer for about 45 minute to 1hour, stirring from time to time.
Remove from heat and let stand for at least 20 minutes before refrigerating.
Servings 32
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 524
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 35.4g55%
- Saturated Fat 14.2g71%
- Cholesterol 150mg50%
- Sodium 392mg17%
- Total Carbohydrate 6.7g3%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 1.3g
- Protein 44g88%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
A wooden spoon is best for stirring this mixture if you have one available.
