Go Back
Chilli con carne recipe – hearty family-friendly beef chilli in bowl
J - Flexible Family Kitchen

Chilli Con Carne Recipe

This chilli con carne recipe is a rich, easy family dinner that’s naturally dairy free and simple to adapt for different dietary needs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican, Modern Family-Friendly
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic , crushed
  • ½ onion , finely diced
  • 500 g beef mince
  • 400 g tin diced tomatoes
  • ¾ cup beef stock
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2-1 tsp Mexican chilli powder
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • ½ square dark chocolate , or 1 tbsp cacao powder (optional)

Method
 

  1. Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add the olive oil.
  2. Add the diced onion and crushed garlic, cooking until the onion becomes soft and translucent. 💡 Add diced bacon or chorizo here if desired.
  3. Add the cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, chilli powder, and cinnamon, stirring for one minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the beef mince and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned.
  5. Pour in the diced tomatoes, beef stock, and tomato paste, stirring well to combine.
  6. Reduce the heat and allow the mixture to simmer until the sauce thickens and develops a rich flavour, approximately 20–30 minutes.
  7. If using, add the dark chocolate at the end and stir until fully melted and incorporated.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Notes

  • The chocolate is optional but adds depth without making it sweet
  • This recipe tastes even better the next day
  • Can be frozen for easy future meals
QR Code linking back to recipe