Hearty Chilli Con Carne Recipe: Spice Up Your Dinner Tonight

Crafting a hearty chilli con carne brings warmth and comfort to any kitchen gathering.

Spices dance through tender meat, creating layers of rich, complex flavors.

Bold ingredients merge into a rustic dish that tells stories of culinary tradition.

Mexican-inspired recipes like this one connect us to deep-rooted culinary experiences.

Carefully selected chillies provide depth and character to every delightful bite.

Robust protein and beans create a satisfying meal that feels like a culinary embrace.

You’ll find this recipe perfectly balances heat, texture, and soul-warming goodness.

Grab your apron and let’s make something deliciously memorable together.

Everything Needed For Mary Berry Chilli Con Carne

• Beef Mince: A flavorful protein that provides the hearty foundation of the chilli con carne.

• Onion, Garlic, Bell Peppers: These aromatic vegetables create a delicious flavor base and add depth to the dish.

• Cumin, Coriander, Smoked Paprika, Cayenne: These spices bring warmth, complexity, and a subtle heat to the chilli con carne.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Chopped Tomatoes, Kidney Beans: These ingredients provide a rich, saucy texture and additional protein to the chilli.

• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil that helps sauté the vegetables and prevents sticking.

Cooking Steps For Mary Berry Chilli Con Carne

Step 1: Heat the Cooking Base

Grab a large saucepan and warm it over medium heat. Pour in olive oil, letting it shimmer and dance across the pan’s surface.

Step 2: Soften the Onion

Toss in chopped onions and let them become translucent and tender. Gently stir the onions, allowing them to release their sweet aroma for 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Introduce Colorful Vegetables

• Garlic
• Red bell pepper
• Green bell pepper

Stir the mixture until vegetables become slightly glossy and soften.

Step 4: Awaken the Spices

• Ground cumin
• Ground coriander
• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper

Quickly stir to prevent burning, releasing an intense fragrance that signals perfect timing.

Step 5: Brown the Meat

Add ground beef and break it into small pieces. Cook until the meat develops a rich, golden-brown color, ensuring maximum flavor development.

Step 6: Create the Sauce

Pour in chopped tomatoes and kidney beans. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir gently, allowing the sauce to meld together beautifully.

Step 7: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble. Reduce heat, partially cover the pan, and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

When the chili reaches a thick, spoon-coating consistency, it’s ready. Serve piping hot alongside rice, tortilla chips, or your favorite accompaniments.

Tips To Get Mary Berry Chilli Con Carne Just Right

• Spice Smart: Adjust cayenne pepper to control heat level, ensuring the dish suits your spice tolerance without overwhelming flavors.
• Bean Boost: Rinse canned kidney beans thoroughly to reduce sodium content and improve digestibility for sensitive stomachs.
• Meat Mastery: Use lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier version without compromising the rich, robust taste of the chilli.
• Simmer Secrets: Let the chilli rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow spices to meld and intensify the overall flavor profile.
• Leftover Magic: Store in airtight containers and enjoy even better taste the next day as flavors continue to develop and deepen.

Ways To Change Mary Berry Chilli Con Carne

• Vegetarian Chilli: Replace beef mince with plant-based protein like lentils, black beans, or soy crumbles. Perfect for those avoiding meat while keeping the robust spice profile.
• Chicken Chilli Alternative: Swap beef with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner protein option. Maintains the classic chilli flavor with lighter meat choice.
• Gluten-Free Version: Ensure all spices and ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use corn tortilla chips instead of wheat-based options for serving.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer all ingredients after browning meat into a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours for deeper, more melded flavors and tender texture.

Perfect Pairings For Mary Berry Chilli Con Carne

• Pair with Crisp Mexican Lager: Cut through the rich, spicy chilli with a cold, refreshing Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo Especial that balances the dish's robust flavors.
• Complement with Zesty Guacamole: Create a cool, creamy counterpoint by serving homemade guacamole alongside the chilli, which helps mellow the heat and adds fresh texture.
• Match with Tangy Sour Cream Topping: Dollop smooth, cool sour cream on top of the hot chilli to provide a creamy contrast that softens the spice and adds a luxurious mouthfeel.
• Enhance with Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle aged cheddar over the dish to introduce a sharp, salty element that deepens the overall flavor profile and adds delightful richness.

How To Store Mary Berry Chilli Con Carne Safely

• Transfer cooled chilli con carne into airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the flavor.
• Pack the chilli in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. The dish maintains its robust taste and texture remarkably well.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Gently reheat the chilli in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Mary Berry Chilli Con Carne FAQ Answers

• What kind of beef should I use for this chilli con carne?

Use lean beef mince (ground beef) with about 15% fat content. This ensures the dish stays flavorful without being too greasy.

• Can I make this recipe spicier?

Absolutely! Increase the cayenne pepper or add fresh chopped chillies to boost the heat level. Start with small amounts and adjust to your taste preference.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the basic ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your spices and canned tomatoes don’t contain any hidden gluten additives.

• Do I need to soak the kidney beans?

No, this recipe uses canned kidney beans which are pre-cooked and ready to use. Just drain and rinse them before adding to the chilli.

Why Mary Berry Chilli Con Carne Is So Bold

• Boost Flavor Complexity: Carefully layered spices like cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and cayenne create a rich, deep taste profile that transforms simple ingredients into a sensational meal.
• Master One-Pot Wonder: Prepare this hearty dish using just a single saucepan, minimizing kitchen cleanup and making cooking stress-free for busy home chefs.
• Customize Your Comfort: Versatile recipe allows endless serving options from rice to tortilla chips, letting every food lover personalize their dining experience according to their preferences.
• Quick Weeknight Champion: With straightforward cooking steps and minimal ingredients, this chilli con carne becomes a go-to meal for families seeking delicious nutrition without complicated preparation.

Chilli Con Carne Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Mexican classic chilli con carne delivers robust flavors that dance between spicy beef and rich tomato sauce. Comfort meets adventure in this soul-warming dish that promises to satisfy hungry dinner crowds with its deep, authentic southwestern charm.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 500 grams (1.1 pounds) beef mince

Vegetables:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 red pepper, deseeded and chopped
• 1 green pepper, deseeded and chopped

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Canned Ingredients:

• 400 grams (14 ounces) can of chopped tomatoes
• 400 grams (14 ounces) can of red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Serving Suggestions:

• Rice
• Tortilla chips

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium temperature until it glistens and ripples.
2. Introduce chopped onions to the pan, allowing them to become translucent and soft for approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Incorporate minced garlic and diced peppers, sautéing until vegetables develop a glossy appearance and slight tenderness.
4. Sprinkle ground cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and cayenne into the pan, quickly stirring to activate the spices without scorching, releasing their aromatic essence.
5. Add beef mince, continuously breaking it apart with a wooden spoon and ensuring even browning across all surfaces to develop rich, deep flavors.
6. Pour chopped tomatoes and kidney beans into the mixture, seasoning with salt and black pepper, gently combining ingredients to create a harmonious sauce.
7. Raise heat until contents reach a gentle bubbling point, then reduce temperature, partially cover the pan, and allow the chilli to simmer for 30-40 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
8. Check consistency; when sauce thickens enough to coat a spoon smoothly, remove from heat and serve alongside rice, tortilla chips, or preferred accompaniments.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce fat content while maintaining rich flavor and protein.
• Enhance spice tolerance by adjusting cayenne pepper quantity based on personal heat preference.
• Consider using plant-based ground meat alternatives for a vegetarian version without compromising taste profile.
• Quickly deepen flavor complexity by adding a small square of dark chocolate during final simmering stage, which introduces subtle depth and richness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 405 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg