The Ultimate Southwestern Chili Con Carne Recipe

This recipe takes the classic chili con carne and adds a Southwestern twist, incorporating vibrant flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy-to-make chili!

What Makes This Chili Southwestern?

Traditional chili con carne often focuses on a simple blend of beef, beans, and spices. Our Southwestern version elevates this classic by incorporating ingredients commonly found in Southwestern cuisine:

• Corn: Adds a touch of sweetness and satisfying texture.
• Roasted Poblano Peppers: Contribute a smoky depth and mild heat.
• Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: Bring a smoky heat that's complex and delicious, without being overwhelmingly spicy. (You can adjust the amount based on your spice preference!)
• Lime Juice: Provides a bright, acidic counterpoint to the richness of the beef and beans.
• Coriander: Adds a fresh, citrusy aroma and flavor.

Ingredients You'll Need:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies
• 1-2 roasted poblano peppers, chopped (see instructions below)
• 1 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime
• Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips

Instructions:

Roasting the Poblano Peppers:

1. Place poblano peppers directly on a gas flame or under a broiler until the skin is blackened and blistered on all sides.
2. Place peppers in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let steam for 10-15 minutes.
3. Peel off the blackened skin, remove the stem and seeds, and chop.

Making the Chili:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, green chilies, poblano peppers, chipotle peppers, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour, or longer for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes!
7. Stir in cilantro and lime juice before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your Southwestern Chili Con Carne hot, topped with your favorite fixings. Some popular choices include:

• Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a creamy, sharp flavor.
• Sour cream: Provides a cool contrast to the heat of the chili.
• Avocado: Offers a creamy texture and healthy fats.
• Tortilla chips: Perfect for scooping up the delicious chili.

SEO Keywords Used:

• Southwestern Chili Con Carne
• Chili Con Carne Recipe
• Easy Chili Recipe
• Southwestern Cuisine
• Poblano Peppers
• Chipotle Peppers
• Ground Beef Chili
• Hearty Chili Recipe
• Best Chili Recipe

This detailed recipe, incorporating relevant keywords and a clear structure, is optimized for search engines while remaining engaging and user-friendly. Remember to share this recipe on social media and encourage readers to leave comments to further boost its online presence!