Korean Chile Con Carne

Name: Korean Chile Con Carne
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 3 pounds beef chuck roast; 2 tablespoons neutral oil; 1 red onion; 2 jalapeños; 3 garlic cloves; 1 can fire-roasted tomatoes; 5 tablespoons gochujang; 2 cups beef broth

Published: September 8, 2025

by Amelia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold Flavors: Infused with spicy gochujang and smoky chipotle, this chili delivers a flavor punch.
Hearty Meal: Packed with tender beef and wholesome ingredients, it’s a filling option for dinner.
Easy to Prepare: With simple steps, you can create a delicious meal without fussing too much in the kitchen.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, with crusty bread, or topped with your favorite garnishes like cheese or green onions.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This chili tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for leftovers.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the delicious world of Korean Chile Con Carne, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will make cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Dutch oven or deep pot
Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Dutch oven or deep pot: Ideal for slow-cooking your chili evenly while developing rich flavors.
Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware while scraping up those flavorful bits from the bottom.

Ingredients

To make this mouthwatering Korean Chile Con Carne, you will need the following ingredients:

Beef Ingredients

2 tablespoons beef tallow, or neutral oil
3 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1 cubes
kosher salt
fresh ground black pepper

Vegetables and Spices

1 red onion, finely diced
2 jalapeños, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, finely diced
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely diced
2 teaspoons adobo sauce from chipotle peppers
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon smoked salt

Tomato Base

1 15 oz can fire-roasted tomatoes
1 cup preferred dark beef broth

Flavor Boosters

5 tablespoons gochujang
2 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons gochugaru (Korean chile flakes)

How to Make Korean Chile Con Carne

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Use a Dutch oven or deep pot. Heat the fat over high heat. Lightly season the meat with salt & pepper. Sear the meat all over; you may need to do this in batches. Transfer the browned meat to a plate lined with paper towels.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Reduce heat to medium. When the oil is hot, add in the diced jalapeños and red onion. Stir frequently to char on all sides for about 2 minutes. Then add in minced garlic, chopped chipotle, adobo sauce, cumin, coriander, smoked salt, and brown sugar. Continue stirring frequently to incorporate all spices well.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Whisk together gochujang and beef broth until fully incorporated. Add this mixture into the pot along with beef broth and fire-roasted tomatoes (with juices). Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pot. Return the seared meat back into the pot and bring everything to a simmer for about 2-3 hours until the meat is tender. Cover with a lid if you prefer thinner chili; simmer uncovered if you like it thicker.

Step 4: Add Extra Heat (Optional)

If you desire more heat, stir in gochugaru (chile flakes) while it’s cooking.

Step 5: Serve

Stir in chopped cilantro at the end for freshness. I recommend serving with white rice and toppings such as cheddar cheese and diced white or green onions. Enjoy!

How to Serve Korean Chile Con Carne

Serving Korean Chile Con Carne can elevate your dining experience. The rich, spicy flavors pair well with various sides and toppings that complement the dish beautifully.

Toppings

Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and brightness to each bowl.
Diced Onions: Both white and green onions offer a crunchy texture and sharpness that balances the heat.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melting cheese over the warm chili adds creaminess for a comforting touch.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream cools down the spice while adding richness.

Accompaniments

White Rice: Fluffy rice absorbs the chili’s juices, making for a satisfying meal base.
Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements the spicy notes in the chili, creating a delightful contrast.
Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips provide an excellent scoop for the chili, adding extra texture.

How to Perfect Korean Chile Con Carne

Perfecting your Korean Chile Con Carne involves attention to detail and technique. Follow these tips to enhance your cooking process.

Choose Quality Meat: Using fresh beef chuck roast ensures tenderness and flavor as it cooks slowly.
Layer Your Spices: Add spices at different cooking stages to build depth in flavor.
Control Heat Levels: Adjust jalapeños and gochugaru according to your spice preference for balanced heat.
Simmer Long Enough: Allowing the chili to simmer for 2-3 hours helps break down the meat and meld flavors together.
Taste Before Serving: Always taste your chili before serving; adjust seasoning if necessary for the best flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Korean Chile Con Carne

Pairing side dishes with your Korean Chile Con Carne can enhance its flavors and provide a complete meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds freshness and color, balancing out the richness of the chili.
Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the thick chili, adding a savory element.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity, cutting through the richness of the dish.
Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes serve as a satisfying base that complements the hearty chili.
Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled vegetables add smoky flavors that enhance your meal’s overall profile.
Rice Paper Rolls: Fresh rice rolls stuffed with veggies offer a light and refreshing contrast to spiciness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Korean Chile Con Carne is a rewarding experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

Bold seasoning: Not seasoning the meat properly can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to season generously with salt and pepper before searing.
Skipping the sear: Searing the beef adds depth of flavor. Don’t skip this step; it enhances the overall taste of your chili.
Overcooking or undercooking: Cooking time is key for tender meat. Monitor the simmering process closely, adjusting the lid for desired thickness.
Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality broth or canned tomatoes can affect flavor. Opt for high-quality ingredients for a richer taste.
Neglecting spice adjustments: Everyone’s heat tolerance varies. Taste as you go and adjust spices like gochugaru according to your preference.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Korean Chile Con Carne lasts up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Korean Chile Con Carne

Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
It’s best consumed within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Korean Chile Con Carne

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in a covered dish for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Korean Chile Con Carne.

What is Korean Chile Con Carne?

Korean Chile Con Carne is a spicy twist on traditional chili that combines tender beef with Korean flavors like gochujang and gochugaru.

Can I make Korean Chile Con Carne ahead of time?

Yes! This dish can be made ahead and actually tastes better when allowed to sit overnight as the flavors meld together.

How can I customize my Korean Chile Con Carne?

You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or carrots, adjust the spice level by using different chilies, or even try adding beans if you prefer!

What are some good side dishes for Korean Chile Con Carne?

Serve it with white rice, cornbread, or tortilla chips. Toppings like diced onions and cheese also enhance its deliciousness.

Final Thoughts

Korean Chile Con Carne is a delightful blend of flavors that will impress your family and friends. Its versatility allows you to customize it based on your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!

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