chilli con carne

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Servings: 6 generous servings

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons chilli powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional, balances acidity)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Optional Toppings

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Sliced jalapeños
• Green onions
• Avocado slices
• Lime wedges
• Crushed tortilla chips

Kitchen Equipment

• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
• Wooden spoon
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Dice the onion and bell pepper into small, even pieces. Mince the garlic finely so it distributes evenly throughout the chilli.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for about 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart using a wooden spoon and cook for approximately 7–8 minutes until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 4: Build the Flavor

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. This caramelizes the tomato paste and creates a richer flavor base.

Add the chilli powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously for about one minute so the spices become fragrant.

Step 5: Add Liquids

Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar if using. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 6: Add the Beans

Stir in the drained kidney beans and mix thoroughly.

Step 7: Simmer

Bring the chilli to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover partially with a lid and simmer for 35–40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.

The sauce will gradually thicken while the flavors blend together beautifully.

Step 8: Taste and Adjust

Taste the chilli before serving. Add additional salt, pepper, or chilli powder if desired. If the chilli becomes too thick, stir in a splash of beef broth or water.

Step 9: Serve

Ladle the hot chilli into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro. Add your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, or jalapeños.

Serve with steamed rice, cornbread, baked potatoes, tortilla chips, or warm crusty bread.

Tips for the Best Chilli Con Carne

• Brown the beef thoroughly for maximum flavor.
• Toast the spices briefly before adding liquids.
• Simmer slowly instead of boiling rapidly.
• Let the chilli rest for 10 minutes before serving.
• Make it one day ahead for even deeper flavor.
• Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
• Add extra vegetables such as carrots, celery, or corn for additional nutrition.

Variations

Turkey Chilli

Replace the ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter version.

Vegetarian Chilli

Omit the beef and double the beans. Add black beans, pinto beans, and corn for extra texture.

Extra Spicy Version

Increase the cayenne pepper, add chopped jalapeños, or stir in chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.

Slow Cooker Version

Brown the beef and vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours.

Storage

Allow the chilli to cool completely before refrigerating.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or microwave until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

This chilli pairs wonderfully with:

• Steamed white rice
• Brown rice
• Cornbread
• Garlic bread
• Tortilla chips
• Baked potatoes
• Nachos
• Flour tortillas
• Fresh green salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich, bold Tex-Mex flavors
• Easy one-pot meal
• Budget-friendly ingredients
• Great for meal prep
• Freezer-friendly
• Family-friendly
• Customizable spice level
• High in protein and fiber
• Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Approximate values:

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 30 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 760 mg
• Cholesterol: 80 mg
• Potassium: 780 mg
• Iron: 25% Daily Value
• Calcium: 8% Daily Value
• Vitamin C: 35% Daily Value