The BEST Chilli Con Carne is a flavorful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. This rich and spicy recipe is perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or even game day celebrations. With its robust flavors and hearty ingredients, this chilli con carne stands out as a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make repeatedly. Whether served over rice or enjoyed on its own, this dish delivers satisfaction every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: The blend of spices and quality ingredients creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat.
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious dish without fuss.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over rice, with tortillas, or by itself – the choice is yours!
- Perfect for Leftovers: This chilli con carne tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice levels to suit your taste by varying the amount of chilli powder.
Tools and Preparation
To make The BEST Chilli Con Carne, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will help ensure everything goes smoothly in the kitchen.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large deep pot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Chopping board
- Sharp knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large deep pot: Ideal for simmering and allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for breaking up the meat and mixing ingredients without scratching your pot.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate quantities of spices and liquids for the perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients
This recipe has been tested over many years to create a rich, spicy and DELICIOUS chilli con carne that you’ll make over and over again! I recommend giving the notes section a quick read before getting started for best results.
Main Ingredients
- Olive Oil, (as needed)
- 1 large White Onion, (finely diced)
- 1 large Red Pepper (Capsicum/Bell Pepper) (finely diced)
- 3 large cloves of Garlic, (finely diced)
- 2.2lbs / 1kg Ground/Minced Beef ((see notes))
- 2 heaped tbsp Tomato Puree ((Tomato Paste in US))
- 1 cup / 240ml Red apple vinegar, ((see notes))
- 2x 14oz/400g cans Chopped Tomatoes
- 2x 14oz/400g cans Kidney Beans, (drained)
- 3 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 Beef Stock Cubes ((Beef Bouillon))
- 2 tbsp EACH: Paprika, Cumin, Chilli Powder ((see notes))
- 1 tsp EACH: Oregano, Ground Coriander, Sugar, Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
For Serving
- Rice
- Grated Cheddar Cheese
- Lime Wedges
- Sour Cream
- Fresh Coriander (Cilantro)
How to Make The BEST Chilli Con Carne
Step 1: Prepare Your Vegetables
Add a splash of oil to a large deep pot over medium heat. Add the onion, red pepper & garlic and fry until they begin to soften and take on a tinge of golden colour.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add in the beef, break it up with your wooden spoon and continue to fry over medium heat until browned all over. Stir in 2 heaped tablespoons of tomato paste then deglaze with red apple vinegar. Allow to simmer for a few minutes so that the meat absorbs the apple vinegar.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add the canned chopped tomatoes. Fill each can halfway up with water, swill, then add that in too. Add in the drained kidney beans along with 2 beef stock cubes, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, paprika, chilli powder, oregano, ground coriander, sugar, salt & black pepper.
Step 4: Simmer Together
Give it a good stir as you bring to a simmer ensuring everything is well blended. Once simmering pop on the lid, turn down the heat to low and allow it to bubble away for 1 hour 30 minutes while stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Thicken Your Sauce
Take off the lid and allow to simmer until your desired consistency is reached – about 5-10 minutes. If needed adjust seasoning/spice with more chilli powder or salt.
Step 6: Serve It Up!
Serve over rice topped with cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh coriander sprinkle and lime juice squeeze! Enjoy your meal!
How to Serve The BEST Chilli Con Carne
Serving The BEST Chilli Con Carne is about enhancing its rich flavors and making the meal enjoyable for everyone. Here are some great ways to serve this delicious dish.
Rice
- Serve the chilli con carne over fluffy rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. White or brown rice works well.
Grated Cheese
- Top each bowl with a generous sprinkle of grated cheddar cheese for extra creaminess and flavor that melts beautifully.
Sour Cream
- Add a dollop of sour cream on top to balance out the spice and add a creamy texture.
Lime Wedges
- Serve with lime wedges on the side for a fresh burst of citrus that brightens every bite.
Fresh Coriander (Cilantro)
- Sprinkle fresh coriander on top just before serving for an aromatic finish that complements the dish perfectly.
Tortilla Chips
- Offer crispy tortilla chips as a crunchy side that can be dipped into the chilli, adding texture and fun to the meal.
How to Perfect The BEST Chilli Con Carne
To make The BEST Chilli Con Carne, a few tips can elevate your dish even further. Here are some helpful hints.
- Use Quality Meat: Choose high-quality ground beef for richer flavor and better texture.
- Adjust Spices: Taste as you go! Adjust chili powder and spices according to your heat preference.
- Simmer Longer: Letting it simmer longer allows flavors to meld beautifully; patience pays off!
- Add Fresh Ingredients: Adding in fresh ingredients, like chopped tomatoes or peppers, right before serving can enhance freshness.
- Experiment with Beans: Try different types of beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, for variety in texture.
- Serve with Sides: Pair your chilli with sides like cornbread or coleslaw for an added dimension to your meal.
Best Side Dishes for The BEST Chilli Con Carne
Pairing The BEST Chilli Con Carne with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some perfect options to consider.
- Cornbread
- This sweet and fluffy bread complements the spiciness of the chilli perfectly and is great for soaking up sauce.
- Coleslaw
- A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and balances out the richness of the chilli con carne.
- Garlic Bread
- Crispy garlic bread provides a delicious way to scoop up every last bit of chilli from your bowl.
- Baked Potatoes
- Fluffy baked potatoes serve as a hearty base for spooning generous amounts of chilli con carne on top.
- Nachos
- Layered nachos topped with cheese, jalapeños, and guacamole offer a fun twist and can be shared among friends.
- Quinoa Salad
- A light quinoa salad with veggies adds a healthy touch while providing additional flavors to complement your chilli.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making The BEST Chilli Con Carne can be simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin your dish. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
- Skipping the onion and garlic: These ingredients add depth and flavor. Always start by sautéing them for the best taste.
- Overcrowding the pot: If you add too much meat at once, it won’t brown properly. Cook in batches if necessary for even cooking.
- Not allowing enough simmering time: Rushing the cooking process can lead to bland flavors. Give it at least 90 minutes to develop a rich taste.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Tastes may vary, so don’t hesitate to tweak spices and seasoning towards the end of cooking for a perfect balance.
- Using low-quality canned tomatoes: The type of tomatoes you use affects the overall flavor. Opt for high-quality canned tomatoes for a richer dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Let it cool completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
Freezing The BEST Chilli Con Carne
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Label with the date and contents for easy identification.
Reheating The BEST Chilli Con Carne
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), transfer into an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover lightly, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, usually within 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making The BEST Chilli Con Carne:
Can I make The BEST Chilli Con Carne vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives for a delicious vegetarian version.
What can I serve with The BEST Chilli Con Carne?
This dish pairs well with rice, cornbread, or tortilla chips. You can also add toppings like cheese and sour cream.
How spicy is The BEST Chilli Con Carne?
Spice levels are adjustable! Start with less chili powder if you’re sensitive to heat, then gradually increase until it suits your taste.
Can I use different beans in my chilli con carne?
Yes! While kidney beans are traditional, feel free to experiment with black beans or pinto beans based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
The appeal of The BEST Chilli Con Carne lies in its rich flavors and comforting warmth. This recipe is versatile; you can easily customize it by adding extra vegetables or adjusting the spice level. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings, so be sure to give it a try!
The Best Chilli Con Carne
Indulge in the warmth and comfort of The Best Chilli Con Carne, a rich and spicy dish perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or game day celebrations. This crowd-pleaser features a robust blend of spices and hearty ingredients that create an unforgettable flavor experience. Serve it over fluffy rice or enjoy it on its own; either way, this recipe promises satisfaction every time.
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- 1 large white onion (finely diced)
- 1 large red bell pepper (finely diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (finely diced)
- 2.2 lbs ground beef
- 2 heaped tbsp tomato puree
- 1 cup red apple vinegar
- 2 cans chopped tomatoes
- 2 cans kidney beans (drained)
- 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Spices: paprika, cumin, chilli powder, oregano, ground coriander, sugar, salt, black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large deep pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, red pepper, and garlic until softened.
- Add ground beef; cook until browned. Stir in tomato puree and deglaze with red apple vinegar.
- Mix in chopped tomatoes and drained kidney beans along with Worcestershire sauce and spices.
- Bring to a simmer, cover with a lid, and cook on low heat for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the lid and simmer until desired thickness is achieved (5-10 minutes). Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve over rice topped with grated cheese, sour cream, fresh coriander, and lime juice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives. Adjust spice levels by varying the amount of chilli powder to suit your preference. Leftovers taste even better the next day—perfect for meal prep!
