Easy Chilli Con carne

Easy chilli con carne recipe that is simple, easy and classic. This simple chilli recipe can be served on rice, with tortilla or other sides for delicious, comforting meal. This is the best chilli con carne you'll ever make!

If there is one food the family will enjoy eating over and over again, this is it. It is hot, spicy and full of flavour. You can make it as hot and spicy as you like by adjusting the quantity of chilli.

I have been using this recipe for many years and first blogged about it on my other blog back in 2014. I remember being pregnant with my first daughter who is now 8 years old and eating so much chilli con carne it was unreal. It was like the only meal i could hold down for a very long time. Oh the joys of pregnancy! I would cook and make it very spicy just as i like it and keep the leftover in the fridge and when that batch finishes, make another batch. I ate it so much that after i put to bed i couldn't eat it for a long time. Thankfully that phase was over real quick.

What is chilli con carne

Chilli con carne means chilli with meat. It's also usually called chilli. As the name implies it's made with chilli. Other ingredients include beef mince, tomatoes, kidney beans, cumin, garlic, onions and other spices.
It is said this dish originated in Southern Texas but cooked and eaten in most parts of America and Europe and highly ranked by the british.

Visually it looks like bolognese and it is cooked in a similar style, difference being the spices used and addition of beans in chilli con carne (though some don't use beans in their chilli recipe).
There are different recipes and they vary from country to country with dispute over ingredients and authenticity. Texans say beans should not be in it neither should tomatoes and  minced meat but rather cubed meat..Oh well i'm british and this is chilli con carne as i know it and i promise you'll love this best chilli recipe ever.

Chilli con carne recipe

This recipe can be cooked on stovetop, slow cooker or instant pot - pressure pot. Slow cooking on stovetop or in slow cooker is best however if you want it very quick, use the instant pot to cut down the cooking time. As british african, the african side of me likes hot and spicy food so adjust the chilli to suit your preference.

Chilli con carne ingredients

For this recipe, the ingredients you'll need include:

Beef mince - Check how to make minced beef at home. I make my own beef mince but on this occassion i used store bought.

Chopped tomatoes

Bell pepper

Onion

Garlic

Tomato puree

Cumin

Ground Coriander

Black pepper

Chilli 

Cayenne pepper

Olive oil

Beef stock

Stock cubes

Bay leaf (optional)

Kidney beans

Full ingredient list, directions and video in recipe card below.

How to make chilli con carne

1) Add olive oil in a pot then add onions and garlic. Sautee for 2 minutes.

2) Add in the beef mince and brown the sides.

3) Pour in the chopped tomatoes, bell peppers, tomato puree, cayenne pepper, chilli, coriander, stock cube, cumin , black pepper and other spices.

4) Add beef stock or water, salt and stir. Cover and cook on low heat for 30 minutes.

5) Add the drained kidney beans and simmer gently for another 10 to 15 minutes.

5) Take off heat and serve.

What to serve with chilli con carne

There are many sides one can pair this with including:

Rice - Check Perfect long grain white rice recipe

Tortilla

Spaghetti

Pasta

Potatoes

Corn bread

It can be topped with garnishes like lime wedges, fresh chopped coriander/cilantro.

EXTRA TIPS

This stew taste better the next day so try to make a day ahead if you can.

Adjust chilli quantity to suit preference

Frequently asked questions

Can i make chilli con carne in the slow cooker?

Yes you can. This is one of the best method of cooking it as the flavours slowly infuse together to create tender, melt in the mouth stew.

What is substitute for canned chopped tomatoes?

Use 4 fresh plum tomatoes (roughly blended) in place of 400g canned tomatoes.

Can i make chilli con carne in instant pot

Yes you can. Instant pot makes things easier! Will update with timing soon.

Best chilli recipe in the world?

This recipe is the best! Give it a try.

How to store

Chilli con carne tastes better the next day when reheated.
You can keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
It also freezes well. You can freeze for up to 3 months.

Other delicious recipes on the blog

Fried spaghetti
Simple Orange baked chicken

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Happy Cooking