The Hearty Homestyle Chilli Con Carne Recipe Everyone Loves

Craving a hearty chilli con carne that warms your soul and sparks conversation?

Spices dance through this classic Mexican-inspired dish, creating layers of rich, complex flavors.

Meat lovers and vegetable enthusiasts alike will find something to celebrate in this robust recipe.

Each bite tells a story of comfort and culinary tradition.

Cultural roots run deep in this beloved meal that connects generations around the dinner table.

Robust ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a meal that satisfies hunger and delights the senses.

Your kitchen will soon be filled with an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone to gather and enjoy.

Why Hairy Bikers Chilli Con Carne Is So Satisfying

• Spice Up Your Comfort: A hearty dish that brings warmth and bold flavors to your table, perfect for satisfying those deep hunger cravings.
• Master Complex Cooking with Ease: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a rich, layered meal that looks like you've spent hours in the kitchen, even though it's straightforward to prepare.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Adventure: Kids and adults alike will love the robust taste, with just the right amount of heat that doesn't overwhelm but keeps everyone coming back for more.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Great for casual dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this chilli con carne adapts perfectly to different dining scenarios and can be easily scaled up or down.

What’s In Hairy Bikers Chilli Con Carne

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of this classic chili dish.
• Kidney Beans: Adds texture and plant-based protein to the chili.
• Tomatoes: Provides a rich, tangy base for the sauce.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Creates a flavorful foundation with their sweet and slightly sharp notes.
• Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic intensity to the dish.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika: Delivers warm, complex spice profile characteristic of chili con carne.
• Flour, Cornmeal: Helps to thicken the sauce and provide a slight texture.
• Hot Sauce, Bouillon: Enhances overall flavor and adds savory depth.
• Red Wine: Contributes richness and complexity to the sauce.
• Water: Used for creating the thickening mixture and maintaining proper consistency.
• Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

How To Make Hairy Bikers Chilli Con Carne Easily

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatics

Grab a large skillet and heat it up. Toss in chopped bell peppers and diced onions. Swirl them around until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious flavors.

Step 2: Brown the Protein

Introduce ground beef to the skillet. Let it sizzle and brown beautifully. Pour in rich beef bouillon and a splash of robust red wine to enhance the meaty depth.

Step 3: Build Flavor Layers

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Oregano

Reduce heat and let everything simmer gently for 90 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Introduce Beans and Heat

Fold in kidney beans and a few dashes of hot sauce. Continue simmering for another 30 minutes, letting the beans absorb the rich, spicy sauce.

Step 5: Create Silky Thickness

• All-purpose flour
• Cornmeal
• Water

Stir this mixture into the pot and simmer for a final 10 minutes. This will transform the chili into a thick, luxurious consistency perfect for serving.

Helpful Tips For Hairy Bikers Chilli Con Carne

• Boost Flavor Depth: Toast whole spices before grinding to intensify their aromatic qualities and create a more complex taste profile.
• Control Meat Texture: Brown ground beef in batches to prevent steaming and ensure a rich, caramelized exterior for better flavor development.
• Manage Spice Heat: Adjust hot sauce quantity based on personal preference, gradually adding to control overall spiciness without overwhelming the dish.
• Thicken Smartly: Use cornmeal and flour mixture sparingly, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, consistent sauce texture.
• Enhance Serving Options: Prepare extra portions for freezing, as chilli con carne tastes even better after flavors meld overnight in the refrigerator.

Tasty Twists For Hairy Bikers Chilli Con Carne

• Vegetarian Bean Chili: Replace beef with plant-based ground meat or extra black beans, maintaining spice profile and cooking method.
• Chicken Chili Verde: Swap beef for diced chicken, use green chilies instead of tomatoes, add tomatillos for tangy flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Chili: Substitute beans with riced cauliflower, reduce cornmeal thickener, keep spicy seasoning intact.
• Slow Cooker Version: Transfer all ingredients to crockpot after initial sautéing, cook on low for 6-8 hours for deeper flavor development.

What Goes Well With Hairy Bikers Chilli Con Carne

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Argentinian Malbec or Spanish Tempranillo with strong tannins that complement the rich, spicy beef flavors.
• Serve with Cornbread Companion: Prepare a slightly sweet, crumbly cornbread to balance the chili's heat and provide a delightful textural contrast.
• Create Cooling Cream Topping: Dollop sour cream or Greek yogurt on top to soften the spiciness and add a creamy, tangy element that enhances the overall dish.
• Match with Crisp Mexican Lager: Select a light, refreshing beer like Modelo Especial or Corona to cut through the hearty chili and cleanse the palate between bites.

How To Store Hairy Bikers Chilli Con Carne Correctly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chilli fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled chilli to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 4 months.
• Place chilli in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat on medium power, stirring every 30 seconds until steaming hot.
• Pour chilli into a saucepan. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through completely.

FAQ Guide For Hairy Bikers Chilli Con Carne

• What does chilli con carne mean?

A classic Mexican-American dish meaning “chili with meat” that traditionally combines ground beef, beans, and spicy seasonings.

• Is chilli con carne spicy?

The spice level can be adjusted by controlling the amount of hot sauce and chili powder, making it mild or hot according to personal preference.

• Can I use different types of meat?

While beef is traditional, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

• Why do I need to simmer the chili for so long?

Long simmering allows flavors to develop, tenderizes the meat, and helps create a rich, deeply flavored sauce that makes chili so delicious.

Chilli Con Carne Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 140 mins
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican chilli con carne delivers robust flavors that dance across palates with spicy, rich complexity. Simmered beef, smoky spices, and tender beans create a soul-warming meal you’ll crave on cool evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 2.5 pounds (1.1 kg) lean ground beef
• 1 x 15 ounces (425 grams) can kidney beans

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

Liquids, Spices, and Thickeners:

• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2/3 cup red wine
• 2 beef bouillon cubes
• 2 x 16 ounces (454 grams) cans chopped tomatoes
• 1 x 12 ounces (340 grams) can tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley
• 2.5 teaspoons basil
• 2.5 teaspoons chili powder
• 1.5 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne
• 0.5 teaspoon oregano
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 3 tablespoons cornmeal
• 0.5 cup water
• 0.5 drops hot sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, sautéing diced bell peppers and onions until they become translucent and slightly caramelized, approximately 5-7 minutes.
2. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles and browning thoroughly until no pink remains, then pour in beef bouillon and red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful browned bits.
3. Incorporate minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and paprika into the meat mixture, reducing heat and allowing the flavors to meld together during a slow 90-minute simmer.
4. Gently fold in kidney beans and your preferred hot sauce, continuing to simmer for an additional 30 minutes to develop deeper, richer flavors.
5. Create a thickening slurry by whisking flour, cornmeal, and water until smooth, then gradually stir into the chili, simmering for a final 10 minutes until the sauce reaches a hearty, rich consistency.

Notes

• Boost umami by using dark roasted beef or mixing ground meats like beef and pork for deeper flavor complexity.
• For gluten-free version, replace flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder to maintain proper thickening without wheat-based ingredients.
• Dial down heat intensity by removing seeds from chilies or using milder pepper varieties if serving sensitive palates.
• Enhance nutrition by incorporating additional vegetables like zucchini or carrots during initial sautéing stage for extra vitamins and texture.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 130 mins
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 323 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg