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, cut into 1" cubes; 2 tablespoons neutral oil; 1 red onion, finely diced; 2 jalapeños, finely diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely diced; 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 5 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste); 1 (15 oz) can fire-roasted tomatoes; 2 cups beef broth

Published: September 23, 2025

by Saphira

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold Flavors – The combination of gochujang and chipotle peppers creates a delightful kick that satisfies spice lovers.
Hearty Meal – With tender chunks of beef and savory broth, this dish is filling and perfect for any occasion.
Easy to Prepare – Despite its rich flavors, the recipe is straightforward, making it accessible even for novice cooks.
Versatile Serving Options – Pair it with white rice or top it with cheese and green onions for a customizable experience.
Meal Prep Friendly – Make a big batch and enjoy the leftovers; the flavor only gets better the next day!

Tools and Preparation

To create your Korean Chile Con Carne effectively, having the right tools on hand will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

Dutch oven or deep pot – This allows for even cooking and provides enough space to simmer all the ingredients together.
Wooden spoon – Perfect for scraping up delicious bits from the bottom while preventing scratches on your cookware.
Knife – A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, saving time during prep.

Ingredients

For this flavorful Korean Chile Con Carne, gather the following ingredients:

2 tablespoons beef tallow, or neutral oil
3 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1 cubes
Kosher salt
Fresh ground black pepper
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
1 (15 oz) can fire-roasted tomatoes
1 cup dark beef broth
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 kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper.
Sear the meat all over until browned, working in batches if necessary.
Transfer the browned meat to a plate lined with a paper towel.

Step 2: Cook Vegetables and Spices

Reduce heat to medium. Add diced jalapeños and red onion when oil is hot.
Stir frequently for about two minutes until charred on all sides.
Incorporate minced garlic, chopped chipotle, adobo sauce, cumin, coriander, smoked salt, and brown sugar into the mixture.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Whisk together gochujang and beef broth until well mixed.
Add this mixture into the pot along with fire-roasted tomatoes (with juices).
Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.
Return seared meat to the pot and bring everything to a simmer for about two to three hours until tender.

Step 4: Adjust Heat (Optional)

For extra heat, add gochugaru (Korean chile flakes) during cooking.

Step 5: Final Touches

Stir in chopped cilantro at the end of cooking.
Serve hot with white rice or toppings such as cheddar cheese and diced onions. Enjoy!

How to Serve Korean Chile Con Carne

Serving Korean Chile Con Carne offers a delightful experience for your taste buds. This rich and spicy dish pairs well with various sides and toppings that enhance its flavors.

Toppings

Diced Green Onions: Freshly chopped green onions add a crunchy texture and a hint of sharpness.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melty cheddar provides a creamy richness that balances the heat.
Chopped Cilantro: Bright cilantro adds freshness and complements the spices in the chili.

Accompaniments

White Rice: Soft, fluffy rice absorbs the chili’s sauce, making each bite satisfying.
Cornbread: A sweet and moist cornbread is perfect for soaking up the delicious juices.
Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips offer a fun way to scoop up the chili.

Garnishes

Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can cool down the heat and add creaminess.
Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices provide a luscious contrast to the spicy chili.

How to Perfect Korean Chile Con Carne

To achieve an exceptional Korean Chile Con Carne, consider these helpful tips that elevate its flavor and texture.

Bold Seasoning: Ensure you season each layer, from meat to vegetables, for a well-rounded flavor profile.
Sear the Meat Well: Browning the beef enhances its flavor through caramelization, adding depth to your chili.
Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and good-quality beef broth to maximize flavor.
Control the Heat Level: Adjust the amount of gochugaru based on your spice tolerance, ensuring everyone can enjoy it.
Let It Simmer: Allowing the chili to simmer longer improves tenderness and melds flavors beautifully.
Experiment with Toppings: Personalize your servings with unique toppings for added texture and taste.

Best Side Dishes for Korean Chile Con Carne

Pairing side dishes with Korean Chile Con Carne can enhance your meal experience. Here are some suggestions:

Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice infused with lime juice and cilantro complements the chili’s spices perfectly.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like bell peppers and zucchini add color and nutrition to your plate.
Coleslaw: A refreshing slaw adds crunch and balances out the richness of the chile con carne.
Baked Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes contrasts nicely with spicy flavors.
Pico de Gallo: Fresh salsa made from tomatoes, onions, and herbs brightens up each bite.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Smoky grilled corn offers a sweet side that pairs excellently with spicy dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Korean Chile Con Carne, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Bold seasoning: Not seasoning the meat properly before searing can result in bland flavors. Always season with salt and pepper beforehand.
Overcrowding the pot: Cooking too much meat at once can lead to steaming instead of browning. Sear in batches for better flavor.
Ignoring simmer time: Rushing the cooking process can leave your meat tough. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 hours for optimal tenderness.
Skipping the scraping step: Not scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot means missing out on rich flavors. Use a wooden spoon to incorporate all those delicious bits.
Not tasting as you go: Failing to taste during cooking can lead to unbalanced flavors. Regularly check and adjust seasoning as needed.
Forgetting about garnish: Neglecting toppings like cilantro or cheese can diminish presentation and flavor. Always add fresh toppings just before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Korean Chile Con Carne

Freeze in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
It will maintain its best quality for about 3 months.

Reheating Korean Chile Con Carne

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warmed through.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between until hot.
Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed throughout.

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 con carne, incorporating Korean ingredients like gochujang and gochugaru for unique flavor profiles.

Can I use other meats for Korean Chile Con Carne?

Yes! You can substitute chicken or turkey for beef if you prefer a lighter option while still enjoying great flavor.

How spicy is Korean Chile Con Carne?

The spice level can vary based on the amount of jalapeños and gochujang used. Adjust these ingredients according to your heat preference.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute beef with plant-based proteins like lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version.

How do I serve Korean Chile Con Carne?

Serve it hot over white rice, topped with cheese, diced onions, or fresh cilantro for added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

Korean Chile Con Carne is not only a hearty dish but also incredibly versatile. With its rich flavors and customizable ingredients, you can easily adapt it to suit your tastes. Whether you’re feeding a large crowd or enjoying leftovers, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy the spicy goodness!