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+ servings

Easy Chili Con Carne (no beans)

This Easy Chili Con Carne is an absolute cinch to make! It's rich, hearty and flavorful, even without beans! Leftovers are AMAZING--Whip up a batch of this chili then make my Chili con Carne Nachos the next day!
5 from 5 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American, Mexican, Tex-Mex
Servings 8
Calories 262 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs. ground beef chuck See Note 1
  • 1 large onion, diced about 2 cups
  • 2 tbsp chili powder any brand
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika sweet paprika is fine, too
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup full-bodied beer See Note 2
  • 1 28 oz. can whole peeled tomatoes crushed by hand or with a wooden spoon (See Note 3) San Marzano, if possible
  • 1 cup beef stock or beef bone broth
  • Chili Toppings: Sour Cream/Greek Yogurt, Grated Cheddar Cheese, sliced jalapeños, green onions, cilantro, Fritos/tortilla chips, avocado, red onion radishes, lime, hot sauce optional

Instructions
 

  • In a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium high heat, brown meat, breaking it up with a spoon as you go (about 3-4 minutes). Pro Tip: during the last half of browning the meat, use a potato mashers to get the meat into super fine bits)!
  • Add onion, stir and cook 2 minutes more.
  • Add ALL remaining ingredients (minus the toppings). Give the chili a big stir, bring to the boil, then reduce heat to LOW. Simmer 30-40 minutes. Taste, and season with salt, if needed. Serve with desired toppings!

Notes

Note 1: I like to use a combination of lean + more fatty beef for this recipe. I usually do 1 lb. of 85% lean and 1lb. of 90% lean. It is really up to you, but this combination is a great balance!
Note 2: Dark, richer ale beers work best for chili. Examples would be Guinness, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale or Anchor Steam. Just stay away from lighter "Lager-style" beers like Budweiser, Coors, etc. 
Note 3: San Marzano tomatoes typically break apart really easily so you can break them apart with a wooden spoon (or your hands). If you happen to see any larger pieces, kitchen shears also work great to break them up.
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Nutrition

Calories: 262kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 26.5gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 76mgSodium: 943mgPotassium: 548mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gCalcium: 52mgIron: 4mg
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