Chilli Con Carne made easy
This is rich, slow-simmered, and deeply comforting – the kind of chilli that makes the house smell amazing and feels like a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients (serves about 4 normal people!)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Pre made Chilli Sauce
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 pepper, diced, small chilli if you like it hot!
- 500 g of Beef Mince, replace with additional Pepper and mushrooms if you want a veggie option!
- Pre made Chilli Sauce
Or, make the sauce yourself.
- 1 Chilli of the heat your household can take, or two spoons of chilli base.
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1–2 tsp chilli powder (to taste)
- 2 tbsp tomato purée
- 1 x 400 g tin chopped tomatoes
- 1 x 400 g tin kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 250 ml beef stock
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp sugar or honey
- Salt and black pepper
Optional: splash of red wine or coffee for depth
Serve with
- Rice, crusty bread, or tortilla chips
- Sour cream or Greek yoghurt
- Grated cheddar
- Fresh coriander
Method
Build the base
Heat the oil in a large heavy pan. Gently fry the onion for 8–10 minutes until soft and golden.
Brown the beef
Add the mince, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and slightly caramelised – this adds serious flavour.
Spice it up
Stir in cumin, paprika, coriander, chilli powder, and cocoa powder. Let them toast for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add garlic and red pepper, cook for another 2 minutes or premade sauce.
Deepen the flavour
Add tomato purée and cook for 1 minute. Pour in tomatoes, stock, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, and any wine/coffee/chocolate if using it
Slow simmer
Bring to a gentle bubble, then turn down low. Simmer uncovered for at least 45 minutes, ideally 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it cooks, the warmer and richer it becomes.
Finish with beans
Add kidney beans in the last 15 minutes. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and chilli heat.
Tips
Make it the day before if you can – chilli is even better reheated.
Add a knob of butter at the end for silky richness.
A some dark chocolate, it's a game changer!
