Soups & Stews Meat & Game

Chilli Con Carne

A hearty Mexican-inspired chilli with minced beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, and a secret ingredient: cocoa powder. Rich, warming, and perfect for a crowd.

5 (2 reviews)
By Ricky Robinson Updated November 21, 2023

This chilli con carne has a special ingredient that brings a rich depth to the dish: cocoa powder. Not just for desserts, cocoa adds a subtle bitterness that complements the robust spices beautifully.

The cocoa works alongside the chilli peppers, cumin, and paprika to create a sauce that is not only spicy but also indulgent, with layers of flavour that develop as the dish simmers. It is a simple addition that lifts this chilli from everyday to something a bit more interesting.

Cocoa powder in chilli might sound unusual, but it brings an earthy richness that balances the heat perfectly.

Chilli con carne traditionally features minced meat, beans, tomatoes, and a kick of chilli peppers, all coming together in a pot of warmth and satisfaction. This dish originated in the Texan-Mexican border region in the nineteenth century, reflecting the fusion of ranch-style cooking with Mexican spices and flavours.

Chilli Con Carne recipe image
Chilli Con Carne

The method here is straightforward. You start by softening the onions, garlic, and peppers slowly in olive oil until they are tender and sweet. This forms the base of the sauce, giving it a proper depth of flavour before the spices and beef are added.

The red chilli, hot chilli powder, ground coriander, paprika, and cumin all go in together, coating the vegetables and releasing their aromas. Then the minced beef is browned, followed by the chopped tomatoes, stock cube, cocoa powder, tomato puree, and kidney beans. Everything simmers together for twenty minutes, letting the flavours meld and the sauce thicken.

Once it is done, you turn off the heat and let the chilli rest for five minutes. This resting time allows the flavours to settle and intensify. Serve it ladled into bowls over boiled rice, with fresh coriander scattered on top. It is the sort of dish that tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for batch cooking or feeding a crowd.

Chilli Con Carne

Beef Chilli Kidney beans
Total Time 45 min
Servings 4 servings
Calories 385 cal
Protein 32g

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Wooden Spoon
  • Wide Pot

Instructions

  1. 1
    Heat the oil in a wide pot, then add the onion, garlic and peppers, and cook slowly for 10 minutes until soft. Stir now and then so they don't catch.
  2. 2
    Add in the red chilli along with the spices, and give everything a good stir. Cook for another 5 minutes.
  3. 3
    Add in the minced beef, breaking it up with your spoon and cook until brown. Then add in the tin of tomatoes, stock cube, coco powder, tomato puree and kidney beans, and bring everything to the boil. Add a splash of water if you think it needs it. Turn the heat down and let it simmer covered for 20 minutes.
  4. 4
    Give the chilli a good stir, turn off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Ladle into serving bowls, sprinkle over fresh coriander and serve with boiled rice.
Ricky Robinson - Recipe Author
Ricky Robinson

Home cook sharing delicious recipes with a focus on flavour and simplicity.

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Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. The flavours develop and improve overnight.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with boiled rice, sour cream, grated cheddar cheese, and fresh coriander. Tortilla chips or warm flatbreads also work well.

Chilli Con Carne recipe image

Rate & Review

5 • 2 reviews

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