Chili con carne or chilli con carne, meaning “chili with meat” and sometimes known as simply “chili” or “chilli”, is a spicy stew containing chili peppers, meat, and often tomatoes and beans. Other seasonings may include garlic, onions, and cumin.

  • Preparation time-less than 30 mins
  • Cooking time-1 to 2 hours
  • Serves-Serves 6

Ingredients of Chilli Con Carne

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves , minced
  • 1 onion , diced (brown, white, yellow)
  • 1 red capsicum (bell pepper), diced
  • 1 lb / 500g beef mince / ground beef
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 800g / 28 oz can crushed tomato
  • 14 oz / 420g can red kidney beans , drained (or other beans)
  • 2 beef bouillon cubes , crumbled (Note 1)
  • 1 1/2 tsp sugar (any type)
  • 1/2 – 1 1/2 cups / 125 – 375 ml water
  • Salt and pepper

CHILI SPICE MIX:

  • 1 – 2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) (Note 2)
  • 4 tsp paprika powder
  • 5 tsp cumin powder
  • 2 tsp garlic powder (or onion powder)
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp oregano

TO SERVE

  • Rice, corn chips, tortillas 
  • Sour cream, yoghurt, grated cheese, coriander.

Also read: Enchiladas

Instructions of Chilli Con Carne

  • Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  • Add the garlic and onion, cook for 1 minute, then add the pepper and cook for 2 minutes until the onion is translucent.
  • Increase the heat and add the beef. Cook, breaking it as you go, until it is almost golden. Add the spice mixture to the chili.
  • Cook until the beef is golden brown.
  • Add the rest of the ingredients, with 1/2 cup of water for fast cooking or 1 1/2 cup for slow cooking. Bring to a boil, then adjust the heat in steps below:
  • Fast cooking – 20 to 40 minutes, uncovered, over medium-low heat so that it boils gently;
  • OR Slow cooking – 1.5 hours to 2 hours, covered, over low heat, so it bubbles very slowly. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve over rice or in a ladle in bowls and serve with corn chips or hot tortillas on the side with choice of toppings.

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