Chili Con Carne

Ingredients

• 0.5 pound Ground Beef (lean, 80/20)
• 4 slice Bacon (cut into large pieces)
• 0.5 pound Dry Red Kidney Beans (about 1.5 cups dry; optional overnight soak)
• 4 cup Water (cold water)
• 1.5 teaspoon Salt (kosher or sea salt)
• 1.5 teaspoon Chili Powder (mild)
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground Coriander
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground Cumin
• 1 large Large Onion (about 10 oz, diced)
• 0.75 cup Celery (chopped)
• 5 clove Garlic (large, coarsely chopped)
• 3 tablespoon Jalapeño Pepper (fresh, seeded if less heat desired, coarsely chopped)
• 0.25 cup Frozen Cilantro Stems (crumbled while frozen)
• 1 cup Red Salsa (jarred or fresh)
• 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded, for topping)

Instructions

1. Prepare Beans and Meats

   Rinse the dry red beans under cold water, cut the bacon into large pieces, and set the ground beef aside.

   Time: PT10M

2. Combine Ingredients and Bring to Boil

   Place the beans, ground beef, bacon, 4 cups cold water, salt, chili powder, coriander, and cumin in the large pot. Stir and bring to a boil over medium‑high heat.

   Time: PT10M

3. First Simmer

   Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the mixture simmer gently for 1 hour 30 minutes, stirring occasionally and checking that the liquid hasn’t evaporated.

   Time: PT1H30M

4. Prep the Vegetables

   While the beans simmer, dice the onion and celery, coarsely chop the garlic, jalapeño, and measure out the frozen cilantro stems.

   Time: PT15M

5. Add Vegetables and Salsa

   After the first 1 ½ hours, add the onion, celery, garlic, jalapeño, cilantro stems, and red salsa to the pot. Stir to combine.

   Time: PT5M

6. Second Simmer

   Continue to simmer on low heat, covered, for another 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the beans are tender.

   Time: PT1H30M

7. Final Seasoning Check

   Taste the chili and adjust salt, pepper, or extra chili powder as desired.

   Time: PT5M

8. Serve

   Ladle the hot chili into warmed tortillas or crisp iceberg lettuce leaves. Top with shredded sharp cheddar, a sprinkle of minced onion, and fresh cilantro if desired.

   Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

500

Protein

30 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

25 g

Fiber

8 g