Julia’s Hearty & Classic Chilli Con Carne

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a rich, aromatic bowl of chilli con carne. It’s the ultimate one-pot wonder, a dish that’s both incredibly satisfying and wonderfully versatile. While ground beef mince is the star in countless weeknight meals, from speedy tacos to savory meatballs, our classic chilli recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that we return to time and again. This recipe focuses on building deep, complex flavors, creating a hearty meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in, a family gathering, or even meal-prepping for the week ahead. Get ready to create a chilli so good, it will become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 500g (about 1.1 lbs) lean beef mince
• 2 tbsp mild chilli powder (or to taste)
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 400g can chopped tomatoes
• 300ml beef stock
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 400g can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Serving suggestions: sour cream, grated cheese, fresh cilantro, rice

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook gently for 5-7 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Increase the heat to medium-high, add the beef mince to the pot, and cook until evenly browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain off any excess fat if necessary.
3. Stir in the chilli powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook for one minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and release their aroma.
4. Pour in the chopped tomatoes and beef stock. Add the tomato purée and the optional sugar. Season generously with salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it gently bubble away for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become.
6. Uncover the pot, stir in the rinsed kidney beans, and let it simmer for a final 10 minutes. Check the seasoning and adjust with more salt, pepper, or chilli powder if needed.
7. Serve hot with your favorite accompaniments, such as fluffy white rice, a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh cilantro.

Nutrition Information

Estimated values per serving (recipe makes 4 servings).