Easy Chilli Con Carne | Classic Beef Chilli for Weeknight Meals

Chilli con carne
Jump to Recipe

A classic chilli con carne is the ultimate easy one‑pot dinner, packed with rich beef, kidney beans, and a deep, smoky tomato sauce infused with spices. This flavour‑packed chilli recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, or a crowd‑pleasing family meal that delivers bold, comforting heat in every spoonful. With its blend of chilli powder, paprika, garlic, and slow‑simmered beef, it’s a dish that never fails to warm you up.

Whether you’re searching for an authentic chilli con carne, a healthy high‑protein dinner, or an easy chilli recipe for meal prep. Long, gentle cooking brings out the depth of the spices, while the tomatoes and beef create a thick, hearty sauce that’s perfect for loading onto rice, spooning over nachos, or stuffing into warm tortillas.

Serving Suggestions for Chilli Con Carne

  • Sweetcorn salsa or pico de gallo for brightness 
  • Steamed or buttered rice (white, brown, or Mexican‑style)
  • Crispy tortilla chips for scooping
  • Soft flour tortillas or warm corn tacos
  • Baked potatoes or sweet potatoes topped with chilli
  • Nachos loaded with cheese, jalapeños, and salsa
  • Cornbread for a slightly sweet contrast
  • Garlic bread for a comforting twist
  • Creamy mashed potatoes or crispy potato wedges
  • Simple green salad with lime dressing
  • Guacamole, sour cream, or Greek yoghurt for cooling
  • Grated cheddar or crumbled feta on top
  • Fresh coriander, spring onions, or jalapeños for garnish
  • Refried beans or black beans on the side

Variations: Chilli Con Carne

  • Smoky Chilli Con Carne — add smoked paprika or chipotle paste for deeper, smoky warmth.
  • Extra‑Hot Chilli — use hot chilli powder, add fresh chillies, or finish with chilli oil for more heat.
  • Tomato‑Rich Chilli — increase tomato purée or add chopped sun‑dried tomatoes for intensity.
  • Chilli Con Carne with Peppers — add red or yellow peppers for sweetness and colour.
  • Chilli Con Carne with Black Beans — swap or mix kidney beans with black beans for a softer texture.
  • Chilli Con Carne with Sweetcorn — stir in sweetcorn for pops of sweetness and colour.
  • Chilli Con Carne with Chocolate — add a square of dark chocolate for richness and depth (classic Mexican twist).
  • Chilli Con Carne with Coffee — add a splash of strong coffee to deepen the flavour of the sauce.
  • Chilli Con Carne with Beer — replace some stock with lager or ale for a malty, savoury note.
  • Chilli Con Carne with Lentils — add red lentils for extra body and a budget‑friendly boost.
  • Chilli Con Carne with Mushrooms — sauté mushrooms with the onions for earthy umami.
  • Chilli Con Carne with Bacon — fry lardons first and build the chilli in the rendered fat for extra savoury depth.
  • Creamy Chilli Con Carne — swirl in crème fraîche or Greek yoghurt at the end for a softer, velvety finish.
  • Chilli Con Carne with Spinach — stir in fresh spinach at the end for colour and nutrients.
  • Chilli Con Carne with Butternut Squash — add roasted squash cubes for sweetness and extra comfort.

Chilli con carne

A rich, spicy chilli con carne with tender beef, beans and warming spices, perfect for cosy dinners and easy weeknight comfort.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Cook Time 50 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • Large frying pan

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 500 g mince beef
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
  • 1-2 tsp chilli powder
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp ground coriander
  • 2 tbsp plain flour
  • 150 ml red wine
  • 400 ml beef stock
  • 1 can chopped tomatoes
  • 3 tbsp tomato puree
  • ½ tbsp caster sugar
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 can kidney beans
  • 1 bay leaf
  • salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Heat the oil in a frying pan.  Add the onion and fry for around 5mins, until the onions softened. 
  • Add the mince and fry until browned, breaking up any large lumps.  Add the garlic, chilli powder, cumin and coriander and fry for a few mins.
  • Sprinkle over the flour and combine together. Add the wine and stock and stir together.
  • Add the tomatoes, fill the can with water and add. Then add tomato puree, caster sugar, oregano, kidney beans and bay leaf and then season.
  • Bring to the boil and then reduce and simmer for 30-40mins until the mince is tender. Top tip: If you find the sauce is getting a little dry, add some boiled water.
  • Serve with jacket potato, rice or nachos.