Why We Love This Recipe
This Chilli Con Carne is the ultimate comfort dish — rich, warming, and full of deep, smoky flavour. The slow simmering brings out the best of the spices, while a touch of dark chocolate adds just the right balance of richness and depth. Whether you serve it with rice, tortilla chips, or wrap it up for enchiladas, it’s guaranteed to satisfy everyone around the table.
Why This Dish Works on a Budget
Chilli is one of the best budget-friendly meals you can make. Using affordable minced beef (or even mixed beans for a cheaper version), tinned tomatoes, and cupboard spices, you can create a hearty, filling dish that feeds the whole family. It’s also brilliant for batch cooking — one pot can stretch across several meals, saving both money and time.
A Little Bit of History
Chilli Con Carne has roots tracing back to the American Southwest, where Mexican and Texan flavours combined to create this much-loved dish. Over time, it’s become a staple in British kitchens, especially on cold nights when something warming is in order. The addition of dark chocolate nods to its Mexican heritage, where cocoa has long been used to balance spice and create depth.
Will You Be Trying It?
If you love a dish that’s both hearty and versatile, this one’s a must. It’s easy to make, full of bold flavour, and perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Serve it your way — over rice, in wraps, or topped with sour cream and cheese for a proper treat.
Final Thoughts
This Chilli Con Carne proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With simple ingredients, big flavour, and plenty of flexibility, it’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a family favourite — perfect for cosy evenings and feeding a crowd.
Budget Breakdown 🛒💷
Here’s how the cost per portion stacks up across UK supermarkets:
- Aldi £1.41
- Asda £1.55
- Morrisons £1.56
- Tesco £1.51
- Sainsbury’s £1.59
(Prices correct at the time of posting — always worth checking for offers!)
Chilli Con Carne
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp. Oil
- 500 g Beef Mince
- 2 medium White Onions cut into small dice
- 4 Garlic cloves crushed
- 1 Red Chilli seeds removed and finely diced, optional
- 1 tbsp Chilli Powder
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp dried Oregano
- 2 tbsp Tomato Puree
- 1 Beef stock cube
- 2 400g tin chopped tomatoes
- 1 400g tin Black Beans rinsed (or kidney beans if preferred)
- 25 g Dark Chocolate
Instructions
Brown the Mince
- Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the beef mince to the pan and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring until browned all over. Break up any large chunks with a spoon as it cooks.
Prepare the Base
- Add the onions and cook for about 5 minutes, until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and fresh chilli (if using) and cook for another minute.
Add the Seasonings
- Sprinkle in the chilli powder, cumin, and oregano. Stir well to coat the meat and release the spices’ aroma.
Build the Sauce
- Stir in the tomato purée, then crumble in the stock cube. Add the chopped tomatoes, stir well, and bring to a simmer.
Simmer to Develop Flavour
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
Add the Beans
- Stir in the black beans and cook uncovered for another 10 minutes, until the sauce is rich and thick. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve & Enjoy
- Serve your chilli with rice, jacket potatoes, tortilla chips, or warm crusty bread. Top with a spoonful of sour cream, grated cheese, Pico de Gallo and fresh coriander for extra flavour.
Notes
Storage Tip
Cool completely, then store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.If freezing ensure that it is fully defrosted in the fridge 24hrs earlier. Reheat gently on the hob until piping hot.
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