The Ultimate Chili Con Carne Recipe: Easy, Spicy and Delicious

French

Enjoy a hearty and flavorful Chili con Carne with this easy recipe! Packed with beef, beans, and spices, it’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

chili/chilli con carne easy recipe

“Oh wow, chili con carne!” That was my husband’s reaction when he saw his favorite dish on the table.

He loves this recipe, but I don’t make it very often. Why? Because it’s a fiery, chili-packed dish—and with the kids around, I usually tone down the heat.

But let’s be honest, it’s just not the same without the kick !

This time, the kids were at school, so I went all out and made an authentic, spicy chili con carne loaded with chilies. Get your tissues ready because this one will bring tears to your eyes! LOL

For my husband, anything spicy is a win. Add minced meat and beans, and it’s pure comfort food heaven.

And let’s not forget, a creamy side of guacamole is always the perfect match for chili con carne, yum!

Taking photos of this dish wasn’t easy because he was in such a rush to eat. “It’s cooled down enough, hurry, hurry!” And off he went to enjoy his meal.

This spicy chili con carne is a true crowd-pleaser for heat lovers. Ready to try it? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Note : It’s surprisingly confusing whether to write chili or chilli, because it depends on where your English comes from. In the US, the standard spelling is chili (and you’ll see it everywhere, from recipes to “chili powder”). In the UK, chilli is more common for the pepper, while chilli con carne often keeps the double “l”. Online recipes mix both, so it can feel inconsistent, even when they mean the same thing.

Chilli con Carne Ingredients (UK/US names + easy substitutions)

• Red beans (kidney beans) : 200 g dried (UK: kidney beans / US: kidney beans). Soak and cook until tender, or swap for 2 x 400 g cans (drained and rinsed) for a faster chilli.
• Ground beef (mince) : 200 g (UK: beef mince / US: ground beef). 5% fat gives a leaner chilli; 15-20% adds more richness and flavour (drain excess fat if needed).
• Onions : 2 medium, finely chopped. They build sweetness and depth as they soften.
• Garlic : 1 clove, minced (use 1 tsp garlic paste or ½ tsp garlic powder if that’s what you have).
• Fresh chilli / spicy red pepper : ½, deseeded for less heat (UK: chilli / US: chile). If you only have red bell pepper, use it for flavour and add a pinch of cayenne for heat.
• Tomatoes : 500 g chopped fresh, or 1 x 400 g can crushed tomatoes + a splash of water. Canned crushed tomatoes are usually more consistent year-round.
• Chilli powder : 2 tsp (UK: chilli powder / US: chili powder). Use mild for gentle heat, hot for a kick. No chilli powder? Mix 1½ tsp paprika + ¼ tsp cayenne (adjust to taste).
• Ground cumin : ½ tsp. Adds a warm, savoury “Tex-Mex” note, don’t skip if you can.
• Olive oil : 2 tbsp for sautéing (swap for vegetable oil if preferred).
• Salt : season in layers, then adjust at the end once the sauce has reduced.

Home to make Chili/chilli Con Carne from Scratch

With dried beans

1. Soak beans in cold water for 12 hours. (I do this all night).
2. In the morning, drain the beans and transfer them to a casserole dish.
3. Add enough cold water to cover the beans and cook until tender.
4. Chop the onions and place them in a pan.
5. Cut the red pepper into cubes and chop the garlic.
6. Add the garlic and red peppers to the onions, drizzle with olive oil, and sauté for a few minutes.
7. Add the minced meat to the pan with the vegetables.
8. Cook thoroughly until the meat is browned.
9. Once the beans are cooked, drain them and return them to the casserole dish.
10. Pour the cooked minced meat and vegetable mixture over the beans.
11. Add seeded and crushed tomatoes on top.
12. Season with your preferred spices and salt.
13. Add a little water to the casserole.
14. Cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, and check for doneness.
15. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade chili con carne!

with canned beans

• Prep the beans: Drain and rinse 2 cans of black beans
• Prep the veg: Chop the onions. Cut the red pepper into small cubes. Mince the garlic.
• Sauté: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a pan. Add the onions, red pepper, and garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until softened.
• Brown the meat: Add the minced meat. Cook until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
• Combine: Stir in the drained beans, then add the crushed tomatoes.
• Season: Add salt and your favourite spices.
• Simmer: Add a small splash of water if needed. Simmer for about 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and cooked through.
• Serve: Enjoy hot, as-is or with rice, tortillas, or bread.

How to thicken, tone down heat, and boost flavour

• Too thin: Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes to reduce. Mash a small ladle of beans and stir it back in. Add 1-2 tbsp tomato paste for a richer, thicker sauce.
• Too spicy: Stir in a dairy topping (sour cream, Greek yogurt) when serving. Balance with a small pinch of sugar. Add extra tomatoes or another handful of beans to dilute the heat.
• Flat flavour: Adjust salt at the end. Brighten with a squeeze of lime or a splash of vinegar. For deeper flavour, add 1 tsp cocoa or a splash of coffee.

How to serve chilli con carne

• Classic sides: Serve with cooked rice, cornbread, tortilla chips/nachos, or spoon it over a baked potato for a filling meal.
• Best toppings: Add sour cream/Greek yogurt, grated cheddar, fresh coriander/cilantro, avocado/guacamole, and jalapeños if you want extra heat.
• On the side: Pair with a crisp green salad, Mexican street corn (elote), or pickled veg for brightness.

Chilli con Carne FAQ

• Can I make chilli con carne without beef? Yes, swap the beef for lentils, plant-based mince, or finely chopped mushrooms for a hearty texture.
• What’s the best pot to use? A heavy-based saucepan or Dutch oven helps prevent sticking and gives a steadier simmer.
• Can I cook it in a slow cooker? Yes, brown the meat and onions first, then cook on LOW 6-8 hours or HIGH 3-4 hours.
• How do I stop the beans from splitting? Keep the chilli at a gentle simmer and stir carefully once the beans are added.
• Why does my chilli taste bitter? Spices can burn easily, add them after sautéing and avoid high heat once they go in.
• Can I add chocolate like in some chilli recipes? You can, stir in a small piece of dark chocolate near the end for a deeper, rounder flavour.

Other dishes to try

• Thai Red Curry Chicken
• Beef Stroganoff recipe
• Algerian Meatballs in a Chickpea Sauce : Mtewem