Burrito Bowls

Chili Con Carne Burrito Bowl

Name: Chili Con Carne Burrito Bowl
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 1 large onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 2 cups beef broth; 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; Salt and pepper, to taste

By Zadie Penhallow · June 19, 2026 · Burrito Bowls

Prep30 min

Cook40 min

Total70 min

Serves6

As a second-generation Mexican-American cook from San Antonio, I grew up surrounded by the vibrant flavors of my Guadalajara family's traditional dishes. My abuela's kitchen was always filled with the aroma of slow-cooked beans, toasted chiles, and the sound of sizzling meats on the comal. One of my favorite childhood meals was her Chili Con Carne, a hearty, comforting stew made with ground beef, beans, and a blend of spices that seemed to warm the soul.

Over the years, I've adapted my abuela's recipe to fit my busy lifestyle, transforming it into a convenient and delicious Burrito Bowl that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend meal with family and friends. The best part? It's incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit your tastes and dietary preferences.

In this recipe, I'll guide you through the process of creating an authentic, mouthwatering Chili Con Carne Burrito Bowl from scratch, using simple, accessible ingredients and traditional Mexican cooking techniques. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household.

So, let's get started and explore the rich flavors and history behind this beloved Mexican dish. With a little patience, practice, and love, you'll be enjoying a steaming hot, satisfying Chili Con Carne Burrito Bowl in no time.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it with your favorite toppings, such as diced onions, shredded cheese, sour cream, and sliced avocado, or add some extra heat with a sprinkle of diced jalapenos or a drizzle of hot sauce. The possibilities are endless, and I'm excited to share this recipe with you so you can make it your own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's a great way to use up leftover ground beef and beans.
The dish is highly customizable, so you can add your favorite toppings and make it your own.
It's a perfect meal for a weeknight dinner or a weekend meal with family and friends.
The recipe makes a large batch of chili, which can be frozen for later use.
It's a budget-friendly option that's perfect for families or large groups.
The dish is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great Chili Con Carne Burrito Bowl is in the layers of flavor that are built throughout the cooking process. By toasting the chiles and spices, we create a deep, smoky flavor that serves as the foundation for the entire dish. Then, by browning the ground beef and cooking the onions until they're translucent, we add a richness and depth to the chili that's hard to resist.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of beans. I like to use a combination of pinto and black beans, which adds a nice texture and flavor contrast to the dish. By cooking the beans until they're tender and creamy, we create a comforting, satisfying base for the chili that's perfect for a cold winter's night or a quick weeknight meal.

Finally, the toppings are what really make this dish special. By adding a variety of fresh, flavorful ingredients such as diced onions, shredded cheese, and sliced avocado, we create a Burrito Bowl that's not only delicious but also visually appealing. So, don't be afraid to get creative and add your favorite toppings to make this dish your own.

The combination of these elements - the toasted chiles, the browned ground beef, the creamy beans, and the fresh toppings - is what makes this Chili Con Carne Burrito Bowl recipe truly special. It's a dish that's sure to become a staple in your household, and one that you'll return to again and again for its comforting, satisfying flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Chili Con Carne Burrito Bowl, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including ground beef, beans, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices. You'll also need some diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth to add moisture and flavor to the dish. Don't worry if you don't have all of these ingredients on hand - you can easily substitute them with similar items or omit them altogether if you prefer.

When shopping for the ingredients, be sure to choose high-quality items that are fresh and flavorful. For the ground beef, look for a lean cut with a good balance of fat and meat. For the beans, you can use canned or cooked beans - whichever you prefer. And for the spices, feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your taste.

1 lb (450g) ground beefLook for a lean cut with a good balance of fat and meat. You can also use ground turkey, chicken, or beans for a vegetarian option.
1 large onion, dicedUse a sweet onion such as Vidalia or yellow onion for the best flavor.
3 cloves garlic, mincedMince the garlic finely to release its natural oils and flavors.
2 tbsp chili powderUse a high-quality chili powder that's fresh and flavorful. You can also add other spices such as cumin, paprika, or oregano to taste.
1 tsp ground cuminAdd a sprinkle of cumin to give the dish a warm, earthy flavor.
1/2 tsp paprikaUse smoked or sweet paprika to add a deep, smoky flavor to the dish.
1/4 tsp cayenne pepperAdd a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the dish a spicy kick.
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoesUse fresh or canned diced tomatoes - whichever you prefer. Look for a low-sodium option to reduce the salt content of the dish.
2 tbsp tomato pasteUse a high-quality tomato paste that's fresh and flavorful. You can also use canned crushed tomatoes as a substitute.
2 cups beef brothUse low-sodium beef broth to reduce the salt content of the dish. You can also use chicken or vegetable broth as a substitute.
1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsedUse canned or cooked pinto beans - whichever you prefer. Look for a low-sodium option to reduce the salt content of the dish.
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsedUse canned or cooked black beans - whichever you prefer. Look for a low-sodium option to reduce the salt content of the dish.
Salt and pepper, to tasteAdd a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the quantities to suit your preference.

Ingredients for Chili Con Carne Burrito Bowl

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy pot or Dutch ovenSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometerWooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Chili Con Carne Burrito Bowl

1
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it's translucent, about 5 minutes.
2
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3
Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper to the pot, stirring to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the spices are fragrant.
5
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth to the pot, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes, until the flavors have melded together and the chili has thickened.
6
Add the pinto and black beans to the pot, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the beans are heated through.
7
Season the chili with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the quantities to suit your preference.
8
To assemble the Burrito Bowls, divide the chili among bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as diced onions, shredded cheese, sour cream, and sliced avocado.
9
Serve the Burrito Bowls hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or scallions if desired.
10
To reheat the chili, simply microwave or heat it on the stovetop until warmed through.
11
To freeze the chili, cool it to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Label and date the container, then store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor.
Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
Add your favorite toppings to make the dish your own.
Use leftover chili to make tacos, salads, or other dishes.
Freeze the chili for later use, thawing and reheating as needed.
Experiment with different types of beans or proteins to change up the dish.
Add a splash of vinegar or citrus juice to brighten the flavors.
Serve the chili with a side of warm tortillas, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not browning the ground beef properly, which can result in a lack of flavor.
Not cooking the chili long enough, which can result in a thin or watery texture.
Not seasoning the chili properly, which can result in a bland or unbalanced flavor.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can result in a lack of flavor or texture.
Not freezing the chili properly, which can result in a loss of flavor or texture.
Not reheating the chili properly, which can result in a lack of flavor or texture.

Variations and Substitutions

Add diced bell peppers or other vegetables to the chili for added flavor and nutrition.
Use ground turkey, chicken, or beans for a vegetarian or vegan option.
Add a splash of vinegar or citrus juice to brighten the flavors.
Use different types of beans, such as kidney or black beans, for a change of pace.
Add a sprinkle of cheese or sour cream to the top of the Burrito Bowl for extra flavor and creaminess.
Use leftover chili to make tacos, salads, or other dishes.
Experiment with different spices or seasonings to change up the flavor of the dish.

What to Serve With Chili Con Carne Burrito Bowl

Serve the Chili Con Carne Burrito Bowls hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or scallions if desired. You can also add your favorite toppings, such as diced onions, shredded cheese, sour cream, and sliced avocado.

Some other ideas for serving the Burrito Bowls include:

Adding a side of warm tortillas, rice, or roasted vegetables for a filling and satisfying meal.

Serving the chili with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad for a lighter and healthier option.

Using leftover chili to make tacos, salads, or other dishes for a quick and easy meal.

Serve the Burrito Bowls with a side of warm tortillas or crispy tortilla chips.Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the top of the Burrito Bowl for extra creaminess.Sprinkle shredded cheese, diced onions, or chopped cilantro on top of the Burrito Bowl for added flavor and texture.Serve the Burrito Bowls with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad for a lighter and healthier option.Use leftover chili to make tacos, salads, or other dishes for a quick and easy meal.Add a sprinkle of diced jalapenos or sliced hot peppers to the top of the Burrito Bowl for an extra kick of heat.

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To store the chili, cool it to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Label and date the container, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat the chili, simply microwave or heat it on the stovetop until warmed through. You can also add a splash of water or broth to thin out the chili if it becomes too thick.

Some tips for freezing and reheating the chili include:

Freezing the chili in individual portions for easy thawing and reheating.

Adding a splash of vinegar or citrus juice to brighten the flavors after reheating.

Using a thermometer to ensure the chili reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) after reheating.

Serving the chili with a side of fresh toppings, such as diced onions, shredded cheese, and sour cream, to add flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of ground beef should I use for the chili?

You can use any type of ground beef you prefer, but a leaner cut with a good balance of fat and meat will result in the best flavor.

Can I use canned beans instead of cooked beans?

Yes, you can use canned beans as a substitute for cooked beans. Just be sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the chili.

How long can I store the chili in the refrigerator?

You can store the chili in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating, and reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Can I freeze the chili for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the chili for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it to room temperature before freezing, and reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

What are some good toppings for the Burrito Bowls?

Some good toppings for the Burrito Bowls include diced onions, shredded cheese, sour cream, and sliced avocado. You can also add other toppings, such as diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, or chopped cilantro, to suit your taste.

Can I make the chili in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make the chili in a slow cooker. Just brown the ground beef and cook the onions and garlic in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

How spicy is the chili?

The chili has a medium level of heat, thanks to the cayenne pepper and chili powder. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste by adding more or less of these ingredients.

Can I make the chili vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, you can make the chili vegetarian or vegan by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based protein source, such as beans or tofu. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to make the dish vegan-friendly.

The Full Recipe

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