Spicy Chili Con Carne Casserole: Hearty Recipe for Enjoyment
Warm up with a delicious Spicy Chili Con Carne Casserole that combines savory flavors and vibrant textures. This dish is perfect for cozy evenings and is sure to please the whole family.
- Author: Clara
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for serving)
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro (optional for garnish)
- 1 avocado, diced (optional for serving)
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures your casserole cooks evenly.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and chopped garlic, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Be sure to crumble the meat well for even cooking.
- Stir in the diced bell peppers and corn, and sauté for another 3-4 minutes until they are soft. The vegetables should remain vibrant and crisp.
- Mix in the kidney beans, black beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Meanwhile, cook the rice according to package instructions. This can be done in a separate pot or in the microwave, depending on preference.
- Once the chili mixture is ready, stir in the cooked rice and spread the mixture evenly in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chili mixture. This will melt in the oven to create a delicious crust.
- Bake the chili con carne in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and slightly golden brown. Keep an eye on the casserole to prevent burning.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to cut.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 15 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Avoid overcooking the beans as they can become mushy; they should have some bite when added to the mixture. Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper, or experiment with other spices like oregano or additional cumin.