Hearty Chilli Con Carne Recipe That Sizzles with Flavor

Warm comfort arrives with this hearty chilli con carne that promises delicious satisfaction.

Spices dance through tender meat and rich beans, creating a symphony of flavors.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe delivers with minimal effort.

Home cooks can easily master this classic dish without complicated techniques.

Mexican-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly to produce a meal you’ll crave repeatedly.

Perfectly balanced between heat and depth, each bite tells a culinary story.

Grab your favorite toppings and let’s make magic happen together.

Why James Martin Chilli Con Carne Stands Out

• Boost Flavor Complexity: The recipe combines multiple spices like chilli powder, cumin, and cocoa, creating a deep, rich taste profile that elevates traditional chilli.
• Customize for All Tastes: Easily adaptable for different heat preferences by adjusting hot sauce or adding toppings like sour cream, cheese, or fresh cilantro to suit individual palates.
• Hearty One-Pot Wonder: Minimal dishes and straightforward cooking steps make this a perfect meal for busy families or solo cooks seeking a satisfying, protein-packed dinner without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Perfect for gatherings, game days, or family dinners where everyone craves a warm, filling meal that's both classic and slightly gourmet.

Ingredients Needed For James Martin Chilli Con Carne

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the foundation of this classic chili.

• Onion, Garlic: These ingredients provide a deep, savory flavor base for the dish.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Oregano: A blend of warm spices that creates the signature chili flavor profile.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds a subtle depth and richness to the chili.
• Salt, Hot Sauce: Enhances overall seasoning and brings a touch of heat.

• Tomatoes: Provides moisture and acidity to the chili.
• Beans: Adds texture and additional protein to the dish.

Steps To Cook James Martin Chilli Con Carne

Step 1: Sizzle and Prep the Protein

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic. Break up the beef with a wooden spoon, letting it brown and develop a rich, caramelized flavor. Once the meat is cooked through and the onions are translucent, carefully drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

Step 2: Create a Flavor Explosion

• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Dried oregano
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Salt
• Hot sauce

Stir these spices into the meat mixture, allowing them to toast and release their aromatic oils for maximum flavor impact.

Step 3: Introduce the Tomato Base

Pour in crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine with the spiced meat. The tomatoes will create a rich, robust sauce that ties all the flavors together.

Step 4: Slow Simmer and Develop Depth

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and cover. Let the chili simmer slowly for one hour, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. This slow cooking process transforms simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying dish.

Step 5: Add Hearty Beans

Stir in kidney beans along with their liquid. The beans will add texture and extra protein to the chili. Keep the lid off for this final cooking stage.

Step 6: Reduce and Thicken

Continue simmering uncovered for about 20 minutes. This will help the chili thicken to a perfect, rich consistency. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce clings to the meat and beans.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming hot chili into bowls. Optionally, top with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for extra excitement. Serve with warm cornbread or over rice for a complete meal that’ll warm you from the inside out.

Tips That Help With James Martin Chilli Con Carne

• Choose Quality Meat: Select lean ground beef or chuck for rich, robust flavor without excess grease.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust hot sauce and chilli powder to match your heat tolerance, starting with small amounts.
• Enhance Depth of Flavor: Add a small square of dark chocolate or cocoa powder to create complex, deeper taste notes.
• Let Simmer Slowly: Allow chilli to cook low and slow to develop intense flavors and tenderize meat completely.
• Optional Bean Alternatives: Swap kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans for different texture and nutritional variety.

Fun Twists On James Martin Chilli Con Carne

• Plant-Based Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with crumbled firm tofu or black beans for a vegetarian version that maintains protein content.
• Turkey Lean Alternative: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lower-fat option that keeps the classic chilli flavor profile.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer ingredients after browning to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours for tender, deeply infused flavors.
• Spicy Mexican Style: Increase hot sauce, add diced jalapeños, and top with fresh cilantro for an authentic Mexican-inspired chilli experience.

Best Sides For James Martin Chilli Con Carne

• Pair with Crisp Lager: A cold Mexican or American lager cuts through the rich, spicy chilli con carne, refreshing your palate with its light, crisp character and subtle hop notes.
• Complement with Cornbread Sidekick: Warm, slightly sweet cornbread provides the perfect textural contrast, soaking up the hearty sauce and balancing the dish's robust flavors.
• Match with Zesty Red Zinfandel: This full-bodied wine brings bold fruit undertones that stand up to the chilli's intense spices, creating a harmonious and satisfying dining experience.
• Cool Down with Tangy Sour Cream Topping: A dollop of cool, creamy sour cream helps temper the heat, adding a smooth counterpoint to the spicy, meaty chilli base.

How To Store James Martin Chilli Con Carne Safely

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Pour cooled chilli into freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freezes perfectly for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Transfer portion to microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until steaming hot.
• Pour chilli into saucepan. Add splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.

James Martin Chilli Con Carne FAQs Answered Simply

• What makes this chilli con carne different from others?

The addition of cocoa powder creates a deep, rich flavor that adds complexity and subtle depth to the traditional recipe.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the amount of hot sauce and chilli powder to suit your personal taste preference.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this chilli con carne recipe, maintaining similar texture and flavor profile.

• Do I need any special cooking skills to make this dish?

No, this recipe is beginner-friendly with straightforward steps and basic cooking techniques that anyone can master easily.

Chilli Con Carne Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican-inspired chilli con carne delivers a spicy symphony of ground beef, beans, and robust seasonings that dance across your palate. Comfort and warmth fill each savory spoonful, inviting you to savor this classic dish with crusty bread or fluffy rice.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (80% lean)
• 1 can (19 ounces/540 milliliters) red kidney beans

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 can (28 ounces/794 grams) diced tomatoes

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper sauce
• Olive oil (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and thoroughly sear ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic until meat is completely browned and onions are translucent.
2. Sprinkle chilli powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, cocoa powder, salt, and hot sauce into the meat mixture, ensuring even distribution of spices.
3. Pour crushed tomatoes into the skillet and gently incorporate with the seasoned meat mixture.
4. Increase heat and bring the chilli to a robust boil, then immediately reduce temperature and cover, allowing the mixture to simmer gently for approximately 60 minutes.
5. Carefully introduce kidney beans along with their accompanying liquid, stirring thoroughly to integrate into the existing sauce.
6. Remove the lid and continue simmering for an additional 20 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce and the chilli to thicken to a rich, hearty consistency.
7. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving piping hot, optionally garnished with desired toppings like shredded cheese or chopped cilantro.

Notes

• Select high-quality ground beef with moderate fat content for richer flavor and juicier texture.
• Drain excess fat carefully to reduce greasiness while maintaining meat’s natural moisture.
• Use ancho or chipotle chilli powder for deeper, smokier flavor profile compared to standard varieties.
• Consider adding dark chocolate instead of cocoa powder for more complex, rounded taste sensation.
• Replace beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives for vegetarian-friendly version without compromising robust spice blend.
• Optional toppings like fresh cilantro, sour cream, or diced avocado can elevate dish’s visual appeal and taste complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg