In fact, in the 1970s, Texas named chili their official state food.

That’s why we kept this chili con carne recipe classic and simple.

Besides that, it’s a fairly straightforward recipe.

Southern Living Chili Con Carne in a bowl to serve

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Here’s a brief outline of the process; the full recipe is further below.

But if you want, you’re able to dress it up a little.

Cilantro, chopped onions, avocados, even a littlecremawould be welcome here.

Southern Living Chili Con Carne ingredients

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And don’t forget thejalapeno Cheddar cornbread.

How To Store Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Can You Freeze Chili Con Carne?

Southern Living Chili Con Carne in the dutch oven ready to serve

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Store leftovers in an airtight, freezer-safe container or ziplock bag for up to 3 months.

But you could change a few things up to suit your particular chili style.

)boneless chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-in.

Southern Living Chili Con Carne

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plus 1/2 tsp.kosher salt

1medium-size (7 oz.

)yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)

3Tbsp.tomato paste

1/4cupchilepowder

2Tbsp.

)bottleamber beer

1(28-oz.

Southern Living Chili Con Carne cooking the onions

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Toss together beef and salt in a large bowl.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer beef to a medium bowl, and set aside.

(Do not wipe Dutch oven clean.)

Southern Living Chili Con Carne adding the tomato paste

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Cook over medium, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened and lightly browned, about 4 minutes.

Bring mixture to a simmer over medium-high.

Reduce heat to low; cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, 1 hour.

Southern Living Chili Con Carne adding the chili powder

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Southern Living Chili Con Carne adding the beer

Credit:Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Southern Living Chili Con Carne adding the beef back to the chili

Credit:Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Southern Living Chili Con Carne after simmering

Credit:Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley