Chilli Con Carne

Hearty chilli con carne made with ground beef, red kidney beans, and bold spices simmered in a rich tomato and red wine sauce. This easy homemade recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. Packed with flavor from garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and a touch of dark chocolate, it’s a warming dish served best with rice, sour cream, and fresh coriander.

This hearty chilli con carne recipe is packed with rich spices, tender minced beef, and a medley of beans, simmered in a deep tomato-based sauce with a hint of red wine and dark chocolate. Perfect for cold evenings or batch cooking.

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Ingredients

Base

• 2 tbsp neutral oil or olive oil
• 2 medium onions, peeled and chopped
• 6 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• 500 g (1.1 lbs) minced beef

Liquids and Sauces

• 360 ml (1½ cups) full-bodied red wine
• 180 ml (¾ cup) beef stock (or hot water with 2 stock cubes)
• 4 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 4 x 400 ml (14 oz) tins chopped tomatoes
• 3 tbsp tomato purée (paste)
• 1 tbsp tomato ketchup
• 1 tsp chipotle paste

Vegetables and Beans

• 2 red bell peppers, chopped
• 2 x 400 g (14 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 x 420 g (14 oz) can mixed beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 chopped fresh chilli (add more for extra heat)
• Small bunch fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped

Spices and Seasoning

• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 4 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 2 tsp hot chilli powder
• 3 tsp ground ginger
• 2 tsp mixed herbs
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Optional

• 2 chunks dark chocolate (80–90% cocoa)

To Serve (Optional)

• Cooked rice
• Sour cream
• Fresh coriander
• Chopped fresh chillies

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Instructions

1. Sauté the base: Heat the oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for 5–6 minutes until soft and translucent.
2. Add garlic and beef: Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the minced beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
3. Deglaze with wine: Pour in the red wine, bring to a simmer, and let it reduce for 3 minutes.
4. Build the sauce: In a jug, combine the beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, and honey. Pour into the pan and stir.
5. Add vegetables and tomatoes: Stir in the chopped red peppers, followed by the tinned tomatoes.
6. Add spices: Mix in the smoked paprika, cumin, ground coriander, chilli powder, ginger, mixed herbs, salt, black pepper, and chopped fresh chilli. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
7. Enrich the flavour: Add the tomato purée, ketchup, chipotle paste, and dark chocolate. Stir well, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
8. Add the beans: Stir in the kidney beans and mixed beans. Simmer for an additional 20–30 minutes.
9. Finish and serve: Stir in chopped fresh coriander. Serve hot with rice, sour cream, extra coriander, and chillies if desired.

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Tips

• Low and slow: Simmering the chilli for at least 90 minutes deepens the flavor.
• Prevent sticking: Stir occasionally to avoid the bottom catching.
• Adjust heat: Add more fresh or dried chilli if you prefer it spicier.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian option: Replace beef with plant-based mince or extra beans and lentils.
• Swap beef: Use ground turkey or lamb for a different twist.
• No wine? Replace with additional stock or use alcohol-free wine.
• Thicker texture: Let it simmer uncovered longer or mash some of the beans.

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FAQs

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. Chilli con carne tastes even better the next day. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Is it too spicy for kids?
Use mild chilli powder or reduce the amount of fresh chilli for a kid-friendly version.

What kind of beans work best?
Kidney beans are classic, but black beans, pinto beans, or mixed beans all work well.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with steamed or Mexican-style rice
• Add tortilla chips or cornbread on the side
• Top with shredded cheese, guacamole, or jalapeño slices
• Make chilli nachos, burritos, or jacket potato toppings with leftovers

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with bold, warming spices
• Rich, layered sauce with wine, honey, and dark chocolate
• Perfect for batch cooking and freezing
• Versatile for meal prep, casual dinners, or entertaining
• Easily adjustable to suit different spice levels or dietary needs