chilli con carne recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
chilli con carne recipe
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The Best chilli con carne recipe

I’ve always been a fan of hearty, comforting dishes that warm the soul, and chilli con carne is definitely one of my go-to recipes. This classic Tex-Mex dish originated in the southern United States, where it was likely influenced by Mexican and Spanish cuisine.

The name ‘chilli’ is believed to come from the Spanish word ‘chile,’ referring to the type of pepper used in the recipe. As for me, I love how this dish tastes – it’s a perfect blend of spicy, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors that never fails to hit the spot.

My family and I have been making this recipe for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. We love serving it with a side of crusty bread or over rice for a filling meal.

Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit our tastes. I’ve experimented with different types of meat, spices, and even adding in some vegetables for added nutrition.

The beauty of chilli con carne is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it as a main course, use it as a topping for nachos or tacos, or even serve it as a side dish at a potluck or barbecue. And let’s not forget about the health benefits – this recipe is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins from the beans, vegetables, and spices.

It’s a guilt-free meal that we can all feel good about enjoying.

Spicy Chilli Con Carne

Spicy Chilli Con Carne

4.7 from 1216 votes

A hearty and spicy chilli con carne packed with beef, kidney beans, and bell peppers. Perfect for a family meal or meal prep.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meat

500g ground beef
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced

For the Spices

1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp chilli powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

For the Sauce

1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
1 can (400g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (400g) tomato sauce
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
1 tbsp olive oil

For Garnishing

Fresh cilantro, chopped
1 avocado, diced
1 lime, sliced
100g grated cheddar cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2Add diced onion, garlic, and bell peppers.
3Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly caramelised, about 5-7 minutes.
4Add ground beef to the pan.
5Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
6Drain excess fat.
7Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, chilli powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
8Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to combine the spices with the beef mixture.
9Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth.
10Stir well to combine.
11Bring the mixture to a simmer.
12Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the chilli con carne cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
13Add more beef broth if the chilli becomes too thick.
14Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
15If you prefer a smoother chilli, use an immersion blender to blend some of the sauce.
16Garnish with chopped cilantro, diced avocado, lime slices, and grated cheddar cheese before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pan
Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 15💛Saturated Fat: 6❤️Cholesterol: 55🧂Sodium: 800🌾Total Carbs: 25🥦Dietary Fiber: 6🍬Sugars: 8🥩Protein: 25

📝Notes

Tips: For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a plant based meat alternative or a mix of cooked lentils and mushrooms. You can also add corn or black beans for extra texture and nutrients.

Watch Video Of How Spicy Chilli Con Carne Works

Chilli con carne is a versatile and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. I love to make a large pot and freeze some for later, which makes it a great meal prep option. It is a great dish to serve at a family gathering or a casual get together with friends. It can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

It can be served in various ways, from a simple bowl with some rice and cheese to a hearty chilli con carne lasagna. It is a great source of protein and fiber. It is a great dish to serve at a family gathering or a casual get together with friends. It can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

I love to serve chilli con carne with a variety of toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, and diced avocado. It is a great dish to serve at a family gathering or a casual get together with friends. I love to serve chilli con carne with a variety of toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, and diced avocado. I just love this recipe and always eat it up when I make it.

It is a great dish to serve at a family gathering or a casual get together with friends. I love to serve chilli con carne with a variety of toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, and diced avocado. It is a great dish to serve at a family gathering or a casual get together with friends.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Spicy Chilli Con Carne

What type of meat should I use in my chilli con carne recipe?

The choice of meat is up to you – ground beef is the traditional choice, but you can also use ground turkey, pork, or even vegetarian options like beans or tofu.

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