Ultimate Chilli Con Carne Recipe

There are few dishes as comforting, hearty, and crowd-pleasing as a good Chilli Con Carne. Rich with layers of spices, infused with a splash of red wine, and finished with a hint of dark chocolate, this recipe is the perfect marriage of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors.

Chilli con carne literally “chilli with meat” is a dish that has traveled the globe. From Tex-Mex kitchens in the United States to family tables across Europe, it’s become a go-to recipe for weeknight dinners, casual get-togethers, and cozy winter evenings. What makes it so special? Its adaptability. It can be made mild or fiery, chunky or smooth, thick or saucy and always customized with your favorite toppings and sides.

This particular version goes big on flavor, using smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, fresh chili, chipotle paste, and even dark chocolate to build depth. The result? A bowl of chili that’s bold, warming, and impossible to resist. Serve it with fluffy rice, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh coriander, and you’ve got the ultimate comfort meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with flavor – A medley of spices, wine, Worcestershire sauce, and chocolate creates deep, complex layers.
• Versatile – Serve with rice, tortilla chips, baked potatoes, or even in tacos and burritos.
• Perfect for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day, making it a fantastic make-ahead dish.
• Feeds a crowd – Generous batch that’s ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or game-day gatherings.
• Freezer-friendly – Easy to portion and store for quick future meals.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe serves 6–8 people.

Base & Aromatics

• 2 tbsp neutral oil (or olive oil) – For sautéing the onions and garlic.
• 2 medium onions, peeled and chopped – A sweet, savory base.
• 6 cloves garlic, chopped or crushed – Rich aromatic punch.

Protein

• 500 g (1.1 lbs) minced beef – The star of the dish.

Liquids & Enhancers

• 360 ml (1 ½ cups) full-bodied red wine – Adds depth and richness.
• 180 ml (¾ cup) beef stock – Builds savory umami flavor.
• 4 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – Tangy, savory backbone.
• 2 tbsp honey – Balances acidity and heat.

Vegetables & Tomatoes

• 2 red bell peppers, chopped – Adds sweetness and color.
• 4 x 400 ml (14 oz) tins chopped tomatoes – The saucy base.

Spices & Seasonings

• 1 tsp smoked paprika – Smoky warmth.
• 4 tsp cumin – Earthy, robust flavor.
• 2 tsp ground coriander – Citrusy, aromatic note.
• 2 tsp hot chili powder – Heat and kick.
• 3 tsp ground ginger – Subtle spice and warmth.
• 2 tsp mixed herbs – Adds depth.
• ½ tsp salt & ½ tsp black pepper – Essential seasoning.
• 1 chopped fresh chili (more if you like it hotter) – Fresh heat.

Tomato Additions & Umami Boost

• 3 tbsp tomato puree (paste) – Rich tomato flavor.
• 1 tbsp tomato ketchup – Sweetness and tang.
• 1 tsp chipotle paste – Smoky heat.
• 2 chunks dark chocolate (80–90% cocoa) – Rounds out the flavors.

Beans

• 2 x 400 g (14 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 x 420 g (14 oz) can mixed beans, drained and rinsed

Garnish

• Small bunch chopped fresh coriander (cilantro)

Optional Serving Additions

• Cooked rice
• Fresh coriander
• Sour cream
• Chopped fresh chilies

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Can opener
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small saucepan (if serving with rice)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Build the Base

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onions and cook for 6–7 minutes until softened and golden.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.

2. Brown the Beef

1. Add the minced beef to the pot.
2. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink (about 8–10 minutes).
3. Drain excess fat if necessary.

3. Deglaze & Flavor Boost

1. Pour in the red wine and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to burn off alcohol.
2. Stir in beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, and honey.

4. Add Vegetables & Tomatoes

1. Add chopped bell peppers.
2. Stir in chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, ketchup, and chipotle paste.

5. Spice It Up

1. Add smoked paprika, cumin, ground coriander, chili powder, ginger, mixed herbs, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh chili.
2. Stir everything well to combine.

6. Slow Simmer

1. Reduce heat to low and let simmer uncovered for at least 1 hour (longer if you can—up to 2 hours).
2. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

7. Beans & Chocolate Finish

1. Stir in kidney beans and mixed beans.
2. Add dark chocolate chunks and stir until melted.
3. Simmer another 15–20 minutes.

8. Serve & Garnish

• Serve hot over rice, with sour cream, fresh coriander, and extra chili if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Make it vegetarian – Swap beef for lentils or extra beans.
• Extra smoky – Add more chipotle paste or smoked paprika.
• Bulk it out – Stir in sweetcorn, zucchini, or carrots.
• Spice levels – Adjust fresh chili and chili powder for heat preference.
• Wine-free option – Use extra stock if you prefer to skip alcohol.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This chilli con carne is:

• Rich & hearty – Thanks to beef, red wine, and beans.
• Smoky & spicy – With chipotle, chili powder, and paprika.
• Balanced & complex – Dark chocolate, honey, and Worcestershire sauce add subtle depth.

Pairings:

• Drinks: A cold lager, red Rioja, or sparkling water with lime.
• Sides: Fluffy rice, cornbread, garlic bread, or tortilla chips.

Nutritional Overview (Estimated per serving, with rice)

• Calories: ~510
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 10g

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Cook a big batch and let it sit overnight—the flavors develop beautifully.
• Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Reheating Tip: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of stock or water to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I make chilli con carne in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and onions first, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4.

2. How can I make it less spicy?
Use mild chili powder and skip the fresh chili or chipotle paste.

3. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—it scales perfectly for large gatherings.

4. What beans can I use instead of kidney beans?
Black beans, pinto beans, or cannellini beans work well.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Task	Time
Chop veg & garlic	10 min
Brown beef & aromatics	10 min
Add wine, stock & spices	5 min
Simmer base	60 min
Add beans & chocolate	20 min
Total Time	~1 hr 45 min

Serving Suggestions

• Family-style – Serve with rice and toppings on the table for everyone to build their own bowl.
• Game-day snack – Serve with tortilla chips and melted cheese.
• Baked potato topping – Spoon chili over fluffy baked potatoes for a hearty twist.

Recipe Variations

1. Chilli Mac – Mix with cooked pasta and top with cheese.
2. Chilli Nachos – Spoon over tortilla chips, add jalapeños and sour cream.
3. Chilli Stuffed Peppers – Bake chili inside bell peppers topped with cheese.

Ingredient Spotlight: Dark Chocolate

Adding dark chocolate might surprise you, but it’s a game-changer. With 80–90% cocoa, it balances acidity, adds richness, and deepens the savory notes without making the dish sweet. Always use high-quality chocolate and add it at the end of cooking.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Long simmer = more flavor – Letting the chili cook low and slow develops depth.
• Taste and adjust – Always check seasoning before serving; chili intensifies over time.
• Use fresh herbs for garnish – They brighten the dish and balance richness.
• Don’t skip resting – Like stews, chili tastes better after resting for a few hours.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Fridge: Up to 4 days in airtight containers.
• Freezer: Up to 3 months in portioned containers.
• Reheat: From frozen, defrost overnight and reheat gently on the stove.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	510
Protein	32g
Carbs	42g
Fat	18g
Fiber	10g

Dietary Notes: Gluten-free (with GF stock and sides), nut-free, and adaptable for vegetarians/vegans.

Conclusion

This Chilli Con Carne is the ultimate comfort food: smoky, spicy, and deeply satisfying with every spoonful. It’s hearty enough to feed a crowd, versatile enough to adapt to your taste, and simple enough for weeknight cooking. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

Serve it with rice, tortilla chips, or crusty bread, and don’t forget those toppings for a fun, family-style meal. Once you try this version with its blend of spices, wine, and chocolate you’ll understand why chilli con carne remains a timeless favorite worldwide.

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