Classic Chilli Con Carne Recipe

Chilli con carne is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth, flavor, and satisfaction to your dinner table. This beloved Tex-Mex dish combines tender ground beef, hearty beans, and a rich tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices.

Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead, chilli con carne is incredibly forgiving and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together beautifully. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare-with just a handful of quality ingredients and about thirty minutes of active cooking time, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. Serve it over rice, with cornbread, or topped with melted cheese and sour cream for a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Nutrition Facts

Per 100g of chilli con carne (without toppings):

• Calories: 185 kcal
• Protein: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 420mg

Ingredients

• 500g ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works best)
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (400g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 jalapeño, diced (for extra heat)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat your oil and prepare your aromatics

Pour the olive oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, add your diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This step is crucial because it builds the flavor foundation for your entire dish. The heat opens up the natural sugars in the onion, creating a sweet, caramelized base that makes your chilli incredibly delicious.

2. Add garlic and cook briefly

Add your minced garlic to the softened onions and cook for another 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly. You’ll notice the kitchen filling with an amazing aroma. Don’t skip this step, and be careful not to let the garlic burn-if it turns dark brown, it will taste bitter and you’ll need to start over with a fresh pot. The goal is just to release the garlic’s essential oils and flavor into your oil.

3. Brown the ground beef

Increase the heat slightly and add your ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Stir frequently, making sure to break up any large clumps, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the meat is completely browned with no pink remaining. Drain off any excess fat if you’d like a leaner chilli, but a bit of fat adds wonderful flavor and richness to the final dish.

4. Add tomato paste and toast the spices

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. This step is called “blooming” the tomato paste, and it concentrates the flavor significantly. Next, add your chilli powder and ground cumin, stirring well to coat the meat mixture. Toast these spices for about 1 minute to activate their flavors and prevent them from tasting raw in the finished dish.

5. Add liquids and beans

Pour in your crushed tomatoes, including all the juice from the can. Add the drained kidney beans and stir everything together thoroughly. If you’re using a diced jalapeño for extra heat, add it now. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it bubble gently for 15-20 minutes. This simmering time allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

6. Taste and adjust seasoning

After simmering, give your chilli a taste. Season with salt and pepper to your preference. Remember that you can always add more salt, but you can’t remove it, so start conservatively. The chilli should be rich, slightly spicy, and deeply flavorful at this point.

Tips for Variations or Side Dishes

Variations to try:

• Add diced bell peppers or celery for extra vegetables and texture
• Stir in a tablespoon of cocoa powder for subtle depth and richness
• Use ground turkey or a beef-turkey blend for a leaner option
• Make it vegetarian by replacing ground beef with lentils and adding extra beans
• Top with shredded cheddar, sour cream, fresh cilantro, and diced onion for a loaded bowl

Perfect side dishes:

• Fluffy white or brown rice
• Warm cornbread or jalapeño cornbread
• Crispy tortilla chips with guacamole
• Mexican street corn (elote)
• Simple green salad with lime vinaigrette
• Flour or corn tortillas for wrapping

Serving Suggestions

The best way to serve chilli con carne is in a generous bowl topped with your favorite garnishes. Offer shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced onion, and jalapeño slices on the side so guests can customize their bowls. Serve with cornbread or over fluffy rice for a complete meal. Chilli con carne is perfect for casual dinner parties, game day gatherings, or cozy family nights. Don’t hesitate to make a big batch-it freezes beautifully and actually tastes even better after a day or two in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep. Serve it warm and let everyone enjoy making their perfect bowl.

FAQ

1. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker along with the tomatoes, beans, and spices. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time actually enhances the flavors even more.

2. How should I store leftovers?

Store cooled chilli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in freezer bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

3. Can I adjust the spice level?

Of course! For milder chilli, reduce the chilli powder to 1 tablespoon and omit the jalapeño. For extra heat, add more chilli powder, fresh jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or a pinch of hot sauce. Start conservatively and add more to taste.

4. What type of beans work best?

Kidney beans are traditional, but you can use black beans, pinto beans, or a combination of your favorites. Canned beans are convenient and work wonderfully, but you can also use dried beans that you’ve cooked yourself.

5. Can I make this without ground beef?

Yes! Try ground turkey, ground chicken, or plant-based ground meat for a lighter option. Vegetarians can substitute with lentils or add extra beans and vegetables instead of meat.