Chili Con Carne recipe

Chilli con carne is a popular Tex-Mex dish that’s great for cozy nights in or casual get-togethers with friends. This recipe will help you make a delicious, hearty meal that everyone will enjoy. Let’s look at the ingredients and steps to make this tasty chilli con carne!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here are all the ingredients for our chilli con carne:

• 500g lean minced beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red pepper, diced
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 heaped tsp hot chilli powder (or 1 level tbsp if using mild)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 beef stock cube
• 400g can of chopped tomatoes
• ½ tsp dried marjoram
• 1 tsp sugar (or a small piece of dark chocolate)
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 410g can of red kidney beans

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s start cooking. Check out our pantry essentials guide to make sure you have everything you need for this recipe and future cooking adventures. The spices are important for that real chilli con carne taste, so don’t skip the chilli powder, paprika, and cumin. If you like it milder, use less chilli powder.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your chilli con carne:

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft.
2. Add the garlic, red pepper, hot chilli powder, paprika, and cumin. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring sometimes.
3. Turn up the heat and add the minced beef. Cook until brown, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
4. Crumble in the beef stock cube and add the chopped tomatoes. Pour in about 300ml of hot water and bring to a simmer.
5. Add the marjoram, sugar (or dark chocolate), and tomato purée. Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Simmer the chilli for about 20 minutes until the sauce is thicker.
7. Drain and rinse the kidney beans, then add them to the chilli. Cook for another 10 minutes.

For an even better taste, you can simmer the chilli for up to 2 hours. This will make the beef softer and mix the flavors more. Learn more about cooking techniques for beef to make your chilli con carne even better. Cooking it slowly lets the spices soak into the meat and vegetables, making it taste richer and more satisfying.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Your chilli con carne is ready! Here are some tasty ways to serve it:

• Serve over plain boiled long-grain rice
• Top with sour cream and grated cheddar cheese
• Add fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños on top
• Serve with warm tortillas or crispy tortilla chips for dipping
• Use as a topping for baked potatoes or sweet potatoes
• Make chilli con carne nachos by layering tortilla chips, chilli, and cheese
• Stuff into bell peppers and bake for a low-carb option

For more ideas, check out our side dish recipes to find the perfect match for your chilli con carne. You can serve this dish in many ways, making it good for different diets and occasions.

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Chilli con carne is not just tasty, it’s also good for you. Here’s what’s in each serving (based on 4 servings):

This filling dish has lots of protein, which helps you feel full. It also has fiber from the beans and vegetables. The tomatoes give you vitamin C, and the beef has iron and B vitamins. To make your chilli even healthier, read about eating a balanced diet and try adding more vegetables or using turkey instead of beef.

The beans and meat together give you all the protein your body needs, which is great for your muscles. The fiber helps your digestion and keeps your blood sugar steady. If you’re watching how much salt you eat, try using a low-salt beef stock cube and rinse the canned kidney beans well to lower the salt in the dish.

Storing and Reheating Your Chilli Con Carne

Chilli con carne often tastes even better the next day! Here’s how to keep and reheat your leftovers:

• Let the chilli cool down before storing
• Put it in a container with a tight lid and keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days
• To reheat, use the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, or warm it gently on the stove
• Add a little water if the chilli seems too thick when reheating
• For longer storage, put the chilli in freezer-safe containers
• Write the date on it and freeze for up to 3 months

You can freeze chilli con carne for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. For more tips on keeping your food safe, learn about food safety and storage. Storing it right keeps your chilli safe to eat and tasting good.

Variations and Customizations

You can change chilli con carne to fit different tastes and diets. Here are some popular ways to make it:

• Vegetarian Chilli: Use beans and lentils instead of beef, or use a meat substitute
• White Chilli: Use chicken or turkey instead of beef, and white beans instead of kidney beans
• Spicy Chilli: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to make it spicier
• Smoky Chilli: Use smoked paprika or chipotle peppers for a smoky flavor
• Cincinnati-Style Chilli: Serve over spaghetti and top with cheese, onions, and beans

Try different ingredients and spices to make your own special chilli con carne recipe. Check out our guide on cooking with spices to find new flavor combinations that could make your chilli even better.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Chilli Con Carne

Great job! You’ve learned how to make an easy and tasty chilli con carne that’s perfect for any time. Whether you’re cooking for your family or friends, this dish is sure to be a hit. Remember, the secret to great chilli is cooking it slowly and using the right mix of spices, so feel free to experiment and make it your own.

We’d love to see your chilli con carne! Share your photos with our cooking community and get ideas from other home cooks. Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious chilli con carne!

For more yummy and easy recipes, check out our recipe collection. From quick dinners to party dishes, we’ve got lots of ideas. Keep trying new flavors and ways of cooking to become an even better cook!