Chilli Con Carne Why You'll Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about a pot of Chilli Con Carne simmering on the stove. The rich aromas fill your home, making it feel even cozier. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can serve it over rice, on pasta, in burritos, as nachos, or even on toast topped with melted cheese. The possibilities are endless!
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chilli Con Carne
- Quality Mince: Use high-quality beef mince for the best flavor. Look for lean mince to keep the dish hearty but not overly greasy.
- Veggie Boost: Adding diced carrots and celery not only enhances the flavor but also sneaks in extra veggies. They add a nice texture and sweetness to balance the heat.
- Spice It Up: Adjust the chilli powder to your taste. If you love it hot, go ahead and add an extra pinch or two. If you prefer a milder dish, just a small amount will do.
- Slow and Steady: Letting the chilli simmer on low heat allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Don’t rush this step – the longer, the better!
- Toppings Galore: Get creative with your toppings! Sour cream, grated cheese, fresh coriander, and a squeeze of lime juice can take your chilli to the next level.
Serving Suggestions
Chilli Con Carne is incredibly versatile. Here are some fun ways to serve it:
- Over Rice: A classic combination that never fails. Use fluffy basmati or jasmine rice for a perfect base.
- On Pasta: Try it over spaghetti or penne for a twist on the traditional Bolognese.
- In Burritos: Roll it up with some rice, cheese, and guacamole in a soft tortilla for a hearty burrito.
- As Nachos: Pour it over tortilla chips, add some cheese, and bake until bubbly. Top with jalapeños, sour cream, and guacamole for the ultimate nachos.
- On Toast: Spread it over thick slices of toasted sourdough and top with a generous amount of grated cheese.
Pairing Suggestions
To complete your meal, consider pairing your Chilli Con Carne with a refreshing side salad or some crusty garlic bread. A cool, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette can complement the rich, spicy flavours of the chilli beautifully. If you’re looking to indulge, serve it with some cheesy garlic bread – it’s perfect for mopping up every last bit of that delicious sauce!
More Winter Warmers to Try
If you loved this Chilli Con Carne, you’re in for a treat! Check out these other quick and easy winter dinner recipes:
Share Your Creations! 📸
I love seeing your culinary creations! Don’t forget to take a picture of your Chilli Con Carne and share it with me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff. Use the hashtag #WinterWarmersWithSteph so we can all admire and get inspired by each other’s dishes.
Happy cooking, everyone! Stay warm and enjoy your cozy winter dinners! 😊🥘🌶️🍅
Quick Easy Winter Dinners Day 4 Chilli Con Carne
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
🌟 Hey everyone! 🌟 Today I’m sharing the fourth recipe in our series of quick and easy winter dinners! Get ready for a hearty and delicious Chilli Con Carne that’s perfect for warming up your evenings. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients
- 1 kg beef mince
- 2 onions, diced
- 2 capsicums, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery sticks, diced
- 2 x 400g cans kidney beans
- 1 x 400g can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 can water
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 tbsp beef stock powder
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or use the spices below)
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- Chilli powder, to taste
Instructions
- Heat some olive oil in a large pot over high heat. Add the onions, capsicums, carrots, and celery with a pinch of salt. Cook for about 5 minutes until veggies start to soften.
- Add the beef mince, breaking it apart and cook until browned.
- Stir in the spices and tomato paste and cook for a few more minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Pour in the kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, and water. Add the beef stock powder.
- Mix everything well, cover with a lid, turn the heat down to low, and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes.
Notes
Serve this versatile chilli on rice, pasta, in a burrito, as nachos, or even on toast topped with melted cheese – the possibilities are endless!
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Australian
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! In fact, Chilli Con Carne often tastes even better the next day because the flavours have more time to meld together. You can make it a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or beef stock if it’s too thick. This makes it perfect for meal prepping or for having an easy weeknight dinner on hand!
Yes, you can easily make Chilli Con Carne vegetarian or vegan! Simply swap the beef mince for a plant-based mince or use a variety of beans, like black beans, chickpeas, and lentils, to bulk up the dish. You can also add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or sweet potatoes for more flavour and texture. Make sure to use a vegetable stock powder instead of beef stock powder to keep it completely vegetarian or vegan.
Chilli Con Carne can be as mild or as spicy as you like! The heat level primarily depends on the amount of chilli powder you use and the type of chilli powder. If you prefer a milder chilli, use a small amount of mild chilli powder, or omit it altogether. For a spicier version, add more chilli powder or even a fresh chopped chilli. You can always start with a little and add more to taste—remember, it’s easier to add heat than to take it away! For an extra kick, you can also add a dash of hot sauce or some sliced jalapeños.