Craving a straightforward, affordable recipe that feeds the whole family with bold flavors? As a home cook who's whipped this up for countless gatherings, I can vouch for this chili con carne—perfect for spice lovers on a budget.
This hearty stew of ground beef, red beans, and chili peppers is a true Texas classic, not Mexican as often assumed. It's always a crowd-pleaser whenever I make it.
Contents
- Ingredients for 4 people
- How to
- Result
- Cost breakdown
Ingredients for 4 people
- 500g ground beef
- 400g canned red kidney beans (for convenience!)
- 1 small can of corn
- 1 large can of peeled tomatoes
- 2 onions
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make It
- Peel and chop the onions and garlic.
- Drain the kidney beans, tomatoes, and corn.
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onions and garlic until softened.
- Add the ground beef and cook for 5 minutes, breaking it up and stirring.
- Stir in the cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper (go easy on the spice if needed).
- Add the beans, tomatoes, and corn. Mix well.
- Simmer for at least 20 minutes. Serve hot!
The Results
Your chili con carne is ready to enjoy! Simple, quick, and wallet-friendly—this foolproof recipe never fails.
Serve it straight up or with rice, shredded cheese, sour cream, or a dash of Tabasco. Fresh parsley or cilantro adds a vibrant finish. For extra veggies and color, toss in bell peppers.
It tastes even better reheated—the flavors deepen over time. Prep it ahead or the day before for ultimate convenience. Ideal for feeding a crowd affordably with exotic flair.
Cost Breakdown
Add spice to your meals without inflating your grocery bill:
- Ground beef: ~€4.82 for 500g
- Red beans: €1 for 400g can
- Corn: €2.26 for 3 small 140g cans (use 1)
- Peeled tomatoes: €1.60 for 480g can
- 1 onion: ~€0.23 (125g at €1.85/kg)
- 2 garlic cloves: ~€0.17 (20g at €8.40/kg)
- 1 tsp cayenne (5g): ~€0.30 (€59.21/kg)
Total: €1.87 per person or €7.49 for 4.
