Easy Chili Con Carne Recipe - Her Highness, Hungry Me (2024)

Even my two super picky eaters: son and dad loved this easy chili con carne. This healthy chili recipe with beans and corn is quick, it’s healthy, it’s made in one pot and it tastes like comfort. Yes, it’s basically the perfect easy and healthy family dinner recipe. Great meal prep idea too!

I actually started making chili when I was a student in Berlin, Germany. It was pretty cheap, since it was basically only canned food and some ground beef. And it made a lot. A total win for a bunch of poor students who were pretty hungry.

My flatmates and I always put a lot of garlic and fresh herbs into that chili con carne and it was so flavorful, filling and quite nourishing. This is a very similar recipe for chili, my family loved it so much there were no leftovers and I hope you’ll love it too!

What You’ll Need To Make Chili Con Carne

Beans. To make this chili recipe I used canned white and black beans. I just love how colorful it turned out. Kidney beans or only black beans will work too.

Ground Beef. I prefer lean ground beef, but you can also use any type of ground meat you prefer. Chicken, turkey or pork will all work.

Tomatoes. Here you can use tomato sauce and you’ll need some tomato paste too. I actually prefer fresh tomatoes, especially when they’re in season – I used six tomatoes and blended them, which made about 2 1/2 to 3 cups of tomato sauce. Use whatever is in season and you have available, we’re not here to overcomplicate an easy meal.

Onion and Garlic. To make the meal fragrant and super satisfying. Also even healthier.

Spices. We’re using chili powder, but also some cumin, turmeric and coriander.

Corn. This is totally optional, but I like the contrast and sweetness corn adds to this hearty meal.

How To Make Easy Chili Con Carne

To make chili you only need one pot and a stove. It will be ready in about half an hour. Here’s your to do list for this easy chili con carne recipe:

1. Chop onion, mince garlic, wash and blend tomatoes (or use tomato sauce) rinse and drain beans and corn.
2. Sautee onion with olive oil, spices and ground beef for about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, stock or water and beans and corn.
4. Cover, bring to a boil.
5. Then reduce heat a bit and cook for about 20-25 more minutes. Make sure to check on the chili from time to time and add water or stock if needed.
6. Serve immediately.

How To Serve Chili Con Carne

I served mine with some chopped avocado.

I also added fresh herbs. Cilantro, basil, parsley, dill or oregano – they’ll all add different flavors and are such a beautiful healthy addition to this bowl of comfort.

If you feel like you’re missing something, it’s probably bread. Or rice. Or tortilla chips. I didn’t need it, but feel free to dip your favorite bread into this chili.

I also happen to be obsessed with pickled jalapenos, so that’s what I served on top too. You can also do olives.

Also, if you want to, serve with some cheese of choice!

How To Store

Store the chili leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s going to stay good for up to 4 days.

This recipe will probably also freeze well, but I haven’t tried it yet.

Is Chili Con Carne The Same Like Chili?

Yes. It is. The only difference is that chili con carne is made with meat and chili can be made without meat and with only beans. That’s it. Otherwise, it’s basically the same thing.

More Healthy Easy Family Dinner Recipes

• Amazing One-Pan Garlic Shrimp Risotto
• 20-Minute Healthy Bean Soup
• Easy Homemade Chicken And Chickpea Soup

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