If you are craving a hearty, flavor-packed meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Steak Chili Con Carne Recipe will quickly become your go-to comfort food. Packed with tender cubes of juicy steak, vibrant bell peppers, and a symphony of spices, this dish balances rich meaty depth with fresh, zesty notes. It’s a dish that brings together bold aromas, varied textures, and an inviting color palette on every spoonful, making it an absolute delight from the very first taste to the last. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or a cozy night in, this recipe is guaranteed to impress with its slow-simmered perfection and soul-satisfying goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step in crafting a memorable Steak Chili Con Carne Recipe. Each component plays a key role, from the succulent steak that adds hearty texture to the spices that layer vibrant flavors and depth into this dish. These ingredients come together to create a rich, comforting experience without being complicated or overwhelming.
- 1 ½ lbs beef steak (sirloin or chuck): Choose tender cuts cut into bite-sized cubes for the perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps create that beautiful sear on the steak and adds subtle richness.
- 1 onion, diced: Lays the aromatic foundation with sweet, savory notes.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a warm pungency that elevates every layer of flavor.
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped: Adds a pop of sweetness and vibrant color to the mix.
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped: Offers a slightly grassy contrast that balances the sweetness.
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional): Introduces a touch of heat for those who like a bit of spice.
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes: Brings juicy acidity and texture to the chili base.
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes: Adds body and richness to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the chili.
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Adds hearty fiber and creaminess in each bite.
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed: Offers a smooth texture and a mild, earthy flavor.
- 2 cups beef broth: Intensifies the beef flavor and keeps the chili luscious and moist.
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin: Brings warm, earthy notes that are signature to chili seasoning.
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika: Adds smoky depth and a beautiful reddish hue.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder: Essential spice blend that gives chili its classic kick.
- 1 teaspoon ground oregano: Offers a mild herbal lift to tie spices together.
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder (optional): A secret ingredient for subtle richness and complexity.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Balances and brightens all the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and a tangy punch.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who want an extra fiery touch.
How to Make Steak Chili Con Carne Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Steak
The magic starts by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat to get it nice and hot. Add your well-seasoned steak cubes and sear them until they’re beautifully browned on all sides. This step locks in the juices and builds a deeply savory crust that makes every bite unforgettable. Once browned, remove the steak from the pot and set it aside to preserve those flavors.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, without adding more oil, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them gently until they’re fragrant and softened, about 2 to 3 minutes. This layer creates a wonderful aroma and a flavorful base for the chili’s sauce.
Step 3: Cook Vegetables
Next up, the red and green bell peppers join the party, along with the optional jalapeño if you want to bring some heat. Cook these veggies until they’re tender but still vibrant, typically around 3 to 4 minutes. This step adds freshness and subtle sweetness, balancing the richness of the steak.
Step 4: Toast the Spices
Now it’s time to awaken those cherished spices. Stir in tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, and the optional cocoa powder. Let everything cook together for about a minute to bloom the spices and deepen their flavors, making your chili sing with complexity.
Step 5: Build the Base
Pour in the diced and crushed tomatoes along with the beef broth. Stir everything to combine, creating a luscious, tomato-forward base that will cook down to the perfect consistency. This blend is what gives the chili its hearty body and soul-warming comfort.
Step 6: Simmer
Return the seared steak cubes to the pot, add Worcestershire sauce and the optional cayenne pepper for a fiery finish. Cover the pot and let it gently simmer on low heat for one and a half to two hours. This slow simmering is the heart of the recipe, allowing flavors to meld and the steak to become tender enough to melt in your mouth.
Step 7: Add the Beans
About thirty minutes before serving, stir in the kidney and black beans. This ensures they’re heated through but still retain their shape and creamy texture. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed to reach your ideal balance of heat, salt, and spice.
Step 8: Serve & Enjoy
Once everything has melded into a rich, thick chili, it’s time to ladle it out and enjoy. Serve piping hot with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, cooling sour cream, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Each bowl is a celebration of bold flavors and tender, hearty goodness.
How to Serve Steak Chili Con Carne Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate the Steak Chili Con Carne Recipe to a whole new level. A dollop of sour cream adds creamy contrast to the spicy chili, shredded cheddar cheese melts into gooey delight, and fresh chopped cilantro or green onions bring a fresh herbal note. Don’t forget some crushed tortilla chips or a squeeze of lime for extra texture and zing.
Side Dishes
This chili pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. A warm cornbread with just a touch of sweetness balances the spices perfectly. Serving it alongside steamed rice can mellow the richness, while a crisp green salad adds a refreshing bite that cleanses the palate between mouthfuls.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your Steak Chili Con Carne Recipe in a hollowed-out bread bowl or over baked potatoes for a loaded, comforting meal. Layer it in a casserole topped with cheese and baked until bubbly for a hearty chili bake, or transform leftovers into chili-topped nachos or stuffed peppers for exciting, creative meals beyond the bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Steak Chili Con Carne Recipe tastes just as amazing the next day, thanks to the flavors having more time to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure it’s cooled before sealing to maintain freshness and flavor integrity.
Freezing
This chili freezes wonderfully, making it a perfect dish to prepare in advance for busy days. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, leaving some headspace to allow for expansion. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months while preserving the rich tastes and textures.
Reheating
Reheat your chili gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If reheating from frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge first or use your microwave’s defrost function before warming through. Add a splash of broth or water if it feels too thick after storage.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this Steak Chili Con Carne Recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin or chuck work great for tender cubes, you can also experiment with brisket or round roast. Just keep in mind tougher cuts may need longer simmering to become tender.
Is it necessary to use both diced and crushed tomatoes?
Using both gives the chili a nice balance of chunky texture and a thick sauce body. You can adjust the ratio depending on your preference for more saucy or chunkier chili.
Can I omit the beans to make this chili more traditional?
Yes, beans are optional in many traditional chili recipes. If you prefer it without beans, just skip them or add extra vegetables like mushrooms or corn to bulk it up.
How spicy is this recipe, and can I adjust the heat?
This recipe offers moderate heat that you can easily control by leaving out jalapeño and cayenne pepper or adding more if you like a real kick. Customize the spice level to your taste!
What’s the purpose of adding cocoa powder?
The cocoa powder introduces a subtle depth of flavor and richness that enhances the overall savoriness without making the chili taste chocolatey. It’s a small secret that adds complexity.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to give this Steak Chili Con Carne Recipe a try because it truly delivers bold, comforting flavors that satisfy from first bite to last. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, filling your home with irresistible aromas and your heart with warmth. Whether it’s a casual weeknight treat or a weekend meal to impress, this chili will become a cherished favorite on your recipe list.
Print
Steak Chili Con Carne Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Hearty and flavorful Steak Chili Con Carne made with tender beef steak cubes simmered in a rich tomato and spice base, combined with kidney and black beans for a satisfying and warming meal. Perfect for cozy dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 ½ lbs beef steak (sirloin or chuck), cut into bite-sized cubes
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional, for heat)
Canned Goods
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
Liquids & Sauces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder (optional, for depth of flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
- Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the steak cubes, season with salt and pepper, and sear until browned on all sides. Remove the steak from the pot and set aside to retain its juices.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent, building the flavor base for the chili.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the chopped red and green bell peppers along with the finely chopped jalapeño if using. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables soften but still retain some texture.
- Toast Spices: Stir in the tomato paste, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, and optional cocoa powder. Cook this spice blend with the vegetables for 1 minute to enhance and bloom the flavors.
- Build the Base: Pour in the diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir everything well to combine the rich and flavorful liquids.
- Simmer: Return the seared steak pieces to the pot. Add Worcestershire sauce and cayenne pepper if desired for extra heat. Cover the pot and let the chili simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow flavors to meld perfectly.
- Add Beans: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the drained and rinsed kidney and black beans. This allows the beans to warm through and absorb the chili flavors without becoming too mushy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve the hot steak chili con carne garnished with your choice of toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro. Enjoy this comforting and hearty dish with crusty bread or over rice.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, include the jalapeño and cayenne pepper or add more chili powder.
- Use sirloin for a leaner cut or chuck for more marbling and flavor.
- Simmering time can be adjusted depending on steak tenderness; slower and longer simmering will result in more tender meat.
- Cocoa powder is optional but adds a subtle depth and richness to the chili.
- Leftover chili tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to meld.
- Can be served with cornbread, tortillas, or over rice for a complete meal.
