If you’re looking for a hearty, soul-warming meal that packs a punch of flavor, look no further than this Steak Chili Con Carne Recipe. Tender cubes of seared steak meld with smoky spices, vibrant peppers, and rich tomatoes, creating a chili that’s a cut above the rest. It’s the kind of dish that invites cozy evenings, fills your kitchen with incredible aromas, and leaves everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a game day feast, this recipe brings a delightful blend of textures and spices to the table, making it a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing the perfect Steak Chili Con Carne Recipe. Don’t let the list intimidate you; each component is straightforward, yet essential for layering flavors, adding texture, and achieving that beautiful bowl of chili magic.
- 1 ½ lbs beef steak (sirloin or chuck): Choose tender cuts cut into bite-sized cubes for juicy, flavorful meat.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the steak and sautéing veggies, adding richness without overpowering taste.
- 1 onion, diced: Gives a sweet, aromatic base that caramelizes perfectly when cooked.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a pungent, savory kick that complements the spices brilliantly.
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped: Provides a pop of sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped: Offers mild bitterness balancing the sweetness of the red pepper.
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional): Introduces a subtle heat that can be adjusted to your spice tolerance.
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes: Brings brightness and a slightly chunky texture to the chili base.
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes: Creates a thick, rich sauce that’s perfect for slow cooking.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies tomato flavor and helps bind all the ingredients together.
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Adds hearty texture and plant-based protein.
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed: Introduces earthiness and a creamy bite to the chili.
- 2 cups beef broth: Builds savory depth and ensures the chili stays rich and flavorful.
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin: The warm, smoky backbone of the chili spices.
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness and beautiful color.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder: Adds classic chili heat and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon ground oregano: Adds an herbaceous note that lifts the overall flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder (optional): Surprising but brilliant, it adds a hint of richness and depth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning throughout the cooking process.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and a little tang that brightens the meat.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Perfect for those who crave extra heat in their chili.
How to Make Steak Chili Con Carne Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Steak
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season your steak cubes with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot oil. Sear the meat until beautifully browned on all sides. This step is crucial because it locks in the juices and builds a foundation of flavor. Once seared, remove the steak and set it aside to rest while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes until they release their heavenly aroma and become translucent. These aromatics create a rich flavor base that carries through every bite of your steak chili con carne recipe.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Next, add the chopped red and green bell peppers along with the finely chopped jalapeño if you’re using it. Cook these until they soften, about 3 to 4 minutes. The peppers not only add a colorful touch but also a sweet and slightly spicy texture that compliments the beef perfectly.
Step 4: Toast the Spices
Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, and cocoa powder. Let the spices toast in the pot for about a minute; this quick step amplifies their flavor immensely, making your chili vibrantly aromatic and well-rounded.
Step 5: Build the Base
Pour in the diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth. Give everything a good stir to combine the ingredients thoroughly—this will be the flavorful liquid that envelops the steak and beans later on.
Step 6: Simmer
Return the seared steak cubes to the pot. Add Worcestershire sauce and cayenne pepper if you want extra heat. Cover the pot and let the chili simmer gently on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. This slow simmering tenderizes the steak to perfection and allows all the flavors to marry beautifully.
Step 7: Add Beans
Approximately 30 minutes before the chili finishes cooking, stir in the kidney and black beans. These add a lovely heartiness and complement the steak’s texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed to suit your preference.
Step 8: Serve & Enjoy
Your Steak Chili Con Carne Recipe is now ready! Ladle it into bowls and get ready to dive into a bowl full of rich, smoky, spicy goodness that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
How to Serve Steak Chili Con Carne Recipe
Garnishes
Top your chili with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh chopped cilantro, or even thinly sliced green onions. These garnishes add refreshing and creamy contrasts that make every spoonful even better.
Side Dishes
Scoop your chili alongside warm cornbread, fluffy rice, or crunchy tortilla chips. These sides provide texture variation and help soak up the rich sauce, making your meal complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your chili in a hollowed-out bread bowl or topped over baked potatoes. You can even use it as a filling for loaded nachos or chili-topped hot dogs. The Steak Chili Con Carne Recipe is versatile and delicious in so many forms!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your chili to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it a perfect dish for quick weekday meals.
Freezing
This chili freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just remember to leave space for expansion during freezing.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first for best results. You may want to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce as it reheats.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of steak in this recipe?
Absolutely! While steak cubes add a unique texture and richness, ground beef works well too and can even cook faster. Just brown it thoroughly before proceeding with the recipe.
Is it necessary to use both kidney and black beans?
Not at all. Mixing beans adds texture and flavor, but you can use just one type or substitute with pinto or cannellini beans depending on what you have on hand.
How spicy is this Steak Chili Con Carne Recipe?
The heat level is adjustable. You can skip the jalapeño and cayenne pepper for a milder chili or amp them up if you like it fiery. The spices provide warmth without overwhelming heat.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, after searing the steak and cooking the aromatics on the stovetop, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Add the beans in the last hour of cooking for best texture.
What’s the purpose of cocoa powder in this chili?
Cocoa powder adds a subtle depth of flavor and richness without making your chili taste like chocolate. It balances acidity and enhances the smokiness of the spices wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
This Steak Chili Con Carne Recipe has all the heartiness, depth, and warmth you could want in a chili, made extra special by the tender chunks of steak and layers of spices. It’s a comforting bowl of goodness that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation!
Print
Steak Chili Con Carne Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Steak Chili Con Carne combines tender cubes of seared beef steak with a rich tomato and spice base, enhanced by smoky paprika, cumin, and optional cocoa powder for depth. Packed with kidney and black beans, bell peppers, and aromatic garlic and onions, this comforting chili is perfect for a cozy meal that serves six generous portions and simmers slowly to develop intense flavors.
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 1 ½ lbs beef steak (sirloin or chuck), cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables and 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)
Tomatoes and Beans
- 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 and Seasonings
- 2 cups beef broth
- 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
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
- Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the beef steak cubes with salt and pepper, then add to the pot and sear until browned on all sides. Remove the steak from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the chopped red and green bell peppers, and finely chopped jalapeño if using. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Toast Spices: Stir in tomato paste along with ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, and cocoa powder if using. Cook the mixture for about 1 minute to release and enhance the spices’ flavors.
- Build the Base: Pour in the diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Simmer: Return the seared steak cubes to the pot. Add Worcestershire sauce and cayenne pepper if desired for extra heat. Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Add Beans: About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, stir in the drained and rinsed kidney and black beans. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve & Enjoy: Once cooked through and well combined, serve the chili hot. Garnish with toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro as desired.
Notes
- If you prefer less heat, omit the jalapeño and cayenne pepper or reduce their amounts.
- Using sirloin steak gives a leaner chili, while chuck offers richer flavor and tenderness due to marbling.
- Simmering low and slow is key to tenderizing the steak and melding flavors deeply together.
- Cocoa powder is optional but adds a subtle richness and depth reminiscent of traditional chili recipes.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days and also freeze well for up to 3 months.
- For a thicker chili, uncover the pot and simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes near the end to reduce the liquid.
