If you are craving a warm, hearty meal that combines the rich, tender flavors of steak with a spicy, comforting stew, this Steak Chili Con Carne Recipe is the perfect dish for you. Every bite bursts with layers of savory beef, vibrant peppers, and a symphony of spices that come together to create a soul-satisfying meal. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a weekend gathering with friends, this chili will quickly become your go-to recipe for both flavor and satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple yet essential ingredients that work harmoniously to deliver bold taste, satisfying texture, and colorful appeal. Each component plays a role in building the deep flavor profile that makes this chili truly unforgettable.
- Beef steak (1 ½ lbs): Choose sirloin or chuck, cut into bite-sized cubes for tender, juicy bites.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Perfect for searing the steak and sautéing the aromatics, adding a subtle richness.
- Onion (1, diced): Provides a sweet and savory base that enhances every layer of flavor.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds pungent warmth and depth, essential for any good chili.
- Red and green bell peppers (1 each, chopped): Bring vibrant colors and a mild sweetness for balance.
- Jalapeño (1, finely chopped, optional): Offers a gentle heat kick to spice things up if you like it hot.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz): Provide a fresh, tangy base element that brightens the chili.
- Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz): Add thickness and rich tomato flavor to the stew.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Concentrates the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Kidney beans (1 can, 15 oz, drained and rinsed): Introduce a creamy texture and earthy taste.
- Black beans (1 can, 15 oz, drained and rinsed): Complement the chewy texture and add extra protein.
- Beef broth (2 cups): Enriches the chili with deep meaty notes and keeps it juicy.
- Ground cumin (2 teaspoons): Adds a warm, earthy flavor that’s key to chili seasoning.
- Smoked paprika (2 teaspoons): Brings a subtle smokiness that elevates the meatiness of the steak.
- Chili powder (1 tablespoon): The backbone spice that gives the dish its iconic chili flavor.
- Ground oregano (1 teaspoon): Offers a herbal nuance that lifts the flavor profile.
- Cocoa powder (1 teaspoon, optional): Adds unexpected richness and a hint of bitterness for depth.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, essential for enhancing all the ingredients.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Infuses the stew with a tangy umami boost.
- Cayenne pepper (½ teaspoon, optional): For those who want an extra bold and spicy punch.
How to Make Steak Chili Con Carne Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Steak
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the steak cubes with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot. Searing the steak until browned is crucial because it locks in those delicious juices and builds a tasty crust that makes every spoonful satisfying. Once browned, remove the steak and set it aside to keep the flavors concentrated.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until you can smell the irresistible aroma filling your kitchen. This step forms the fragrant foundation of your chili, layering sweetness and warmth that your palate will thank you for later.
Step 3: Cook Vegetables
Add the chopped red and green bell peppers along with the jalapeño, if using. Cooking these until softened—about 3 to 4 minutes—helps mellow their flavors and blend seamlessly into the stew, contributing vibrant color and a subtle sweetness that balances the heat.
Step 4: Toast Spices
Stir in the tomato paste, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, and optional cocoa powder. Let the spices cook for about a minute to release their full aroma and flavor, transforming the pot into a fragrant, flavor-packed base.
Step 5: Build the Base
Pour in the diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir everything together gently. This rich liquid mixture will cook down and thicken over time, creating the perfect stew texture that holds all the flavors in harmony.
Step 6: Simmer
Return the seared steak cubes to the pot. Add Worcestershire sauce and cayenne pepper if you want that extra kick. Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow cooking is the secret to tender steak and melding all those spices and ingredients into a cohesive, mouthwatering chili.
Step 7: Add Beans
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the kidney and black beans. This timing ensures the beans stay intact but absorb the chili’s flavors perfectly. Adjust the seasoning to taste, ensuring your chili is just right before serving.
Step 8: Serve & Enjoy
Serve your steak chili hot, topped with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh cilantro. Each spoonful offers a delightful contrast—creamy, spicy, meaty, and completely satisfying.
How to Serve Steak Chili Con Carne Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your chili experience, opt for garnishes that add creamy texture and fresh brightness. Think shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for gooey richness, cool sour cream to balance the heat, and chopped fresh cilantro or green onions to add freshness and color.
Side Dishes
Steak chili pairs wonderfully with classic sides like warm cornbread, fluffy white rice, or crunchy tortilla chips. Each side offers a different texture that complements the chili, from soft and buttery to crisp and savory, creating a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling a little adventurous? Serve the chili over baked potatoes for a loaded potato dish or spoon it into crispy bell pepper halves as edible bowls. You can even top your chili with avocado slices or a drizzle of lime crema for a fun twist that adds extra layers of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Steak Chili Con Carne Recipe is even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors continue to meld over time, giving you a delicious make-ahead meal for busy evenings.
Freezing
If you want to keep this chili longer, it freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving room for expansion. It will keep well for up to three months, allowing you to enjoy this comforting dish anytime you crave it.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the chili gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick. Preserve the flavors and texture by heating slowly and savoring every spoonful.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef besides sirloin or chuck?
Absolutely! While sirloin and chuck are ideal for their tenderness and flavor, you can also use stew meat or brisket cubes. Just keep in mind that tougher cuts may require longer simmering to become tender.
Is it okay to skip the cocoa powder?
Yes, the cocoa powder is optional. It adds a subtle depth and richness but if you prefer to keep it simple or don’t have it on hand, your chili will still be delicious without it.
How spicy is this chili, and can I adjust the heat?
The heat level is moderate with the option to add jalapeño and cayenne pepper. You can easily control the spice by omitting or reducing these ingredients according to your taste and tolerance.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
This recipe is designed around steak and beef broth, but for a plant-based version, you could substitute the steak with hearty mushrooms or textured vegetable protein and use vegetable broth instead.
What toppings work best with Steak Chili Con Carne Recipe?
Classic toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, and diced onions work beautifully. You can also get creative with diced avocado, pickled jalapeños, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for an extra burst of flavor.
Final Thoughts
Give this Steak Chili Con Carne Recipe a try, and I guarantee it will become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s bursting with incredible flavor, easy to make, and perfect for sharing with the people you love. Whether you’re a chili enthusiast or just looking for a comforting meal that warms your heart and soul, this dish is your new best friend in the kitchen.
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 features tender cubes of seared beef simmered in a robust tomato and spice base with bell peppers, beans, and a hint of smoky paprika. Perfect for a comforting meal, this chili offers a rich and flavorful twist on a classic favorite with optional heat and depth from jalapeño, cayenne, and cocoa powder.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs beef steak (sirloin or chuck), cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional, for heat)
- 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
- 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. Add steak cubes, season with salt and pepper, and sear until browned on all sides. Remove the steak from the pot and set it 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, helping build the chili’s flavor base.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the chopped red and green bell peppers along with the jalapeño if using. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the peppers soften, releasing their natural sweetness.
- Toast Spices: Stir in the tomato paste, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, and cocoa powder. Cook this mixture for 1 minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.
- Build the Base: Pour in the diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients into a rich chili base.
- Simmer: Return the seared steak cubes to the pot. Add Worcestershire sauce and cayenne pepper if desired for heat. Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking tenderizes the steak and allows flavors to meld.
- Add Beans: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the rinsed kidney and black beans. Continue simmering uncovered to heat through and thicken the chili slightly. Adjust salt and pepper to taste before serving.
- Serve & Enjoy: Ladle the hot chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- For milder chili, omit jalapeño and cayenne pepper.
- Cocoa powder adds depth; omit if undesired but adds a nice richness.
- Use chuck steak for more tenderness, sirloin for leaner meat.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Serve with cornbread or over rice for a complete meal.
