Mary Berry Chilli Con Carne

This Mary Berry Chilli Con Carne is one of the best and easy-to-make UK Chilli Con Carne recipes ever. This simple spicy Chilli Con Carne is made with minced beef, tomatoes, red kidney beans, onion, red pepper, and garlic. The spice mix includes chili powder, paprika, ground cumin, and dried marjoram. 

Serve this luxury homemade Chilli Con Carne with rice or with a dollop of soured cream instead.

What Is Chilli Con Carne 

Chilli Con Carne is a traditional spicy stew dish. It’s made with meat like minced beef, ingredients such as tomatoes and beans, and spices like cumin and chili powder.

Chilli Con Carne originates from Texas and, contrary to popular belief, Chilli Con Carne is not a Mexican dish. 

Chilli Con Carne is healthy; it contains protein from beef, which is good for muscle growth and repair. It’s also high in fiber from the beans, which is beneficial for digestive health.

What Is The Difference Between Chili Con Carne And Just Chili?

The main difference is that chili can be made from various ingredients like chicken, turkey, or even vegetables, while Chili Con Carne specifically made with meat.

Chilli Con Carne Ingredients

• Large onion
• 1 red pepper
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp oil
• 500g lean minced beef
• 1 beef stock cube
• 400g can of chopped tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 410g can of red kidney beans
• Plain boiled long-grain rice, to serve
• Soured cream, to serve

Chilli Con Carne Spices:

• heaped tsp hot chili powder (or 1 level tbsp if you only have mild)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp dried marjoram
• 1 tsp sugar

How To Make Chilli Con Carne 

1. Chop Veggies: Dice the onion, red pepper, and garlic.
2. Cook Onion: In a pan with oil, fry the onion until it’s soft.
3. Add Spices & Veggies: Put in garlic, red pepper, and all the spices.
4. Add Meat: Mix in the beef and cook until it’s brown.
5. Make Sauce: Pour in beef stock, tomatoes, marjoram, sugar (or chocolate), and tomato purée. Let it cook on low heat for 20 minutes.
6. Add Beans: Mix in the kidney beans and cook for 10 more minutes.
7. Taste & Adjust: Add salt or other seasonings if needed.
8. Rest & Serve: Turn off the heat and let it sit for 10 minutes. Serve with rice and a dollop of soured cream.

How To Make Chilli Con Carne Less Spicy 

To make Chilli Con Carne less spicy, try to:

1. Reduce the Chilli Powder: Use a milder chili powder or decrease the amount you add.
2. Add Dairy: Stir in some sour cream, yogurt, or cheese. Dairy helps reduce the heat.
3. Increase Tomatoes: Add more chopped tomatoes or tomato sauce to dilute the spiciness.
4. Add More Beans: Adding Beans can take the heat out of the Chilli Con Carne.
5. Sugar or Chocolate: Adding little sugar can make the Chilli Con Carne less spicy.
6. Serve with Rice: Rice can absorb some of the heat from Chilli Con Carne and provide a milder taste.

How To Thicken Chilli Con Carne 

If your Chilli Con Carne is too runny, try to thicken it with tomato paste. Simply add 2-3 tablespoons and stir it in well. Let it simmer for a few more minutes, and Chilli Con Carne will be thicker.

What To Serve With Chilli Con Carne 

Chilli Con Carne is traditionally served with rice, but you can also pair it with tortilla chips, crusty bread, or a side salad. It also goes well with guacamole, sour cream, or grated cheese.

What To Serve With Chilli Con Carne Instead Of Rice 

You can serve Chilli Con Carne with tortilla wraps, quinoa, or couscous instead of rice. Additionally, it can be served with jacket potatoes, polenta, or pasta.

What Vegetables Go With Chilli Con Carne 

The best veggies that go well with Chilli Con Carne are bell peppers, corn, zucchini, or green beans.

How Long Does Chilli Con Carne Last In The Fridge

Cooked Chilli Con Carne can last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just ensure it’s cooled to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container before storing it in the fridge.

Can You Freeze Chilli Con Carne 

Yes, Chilli Con Carne can be frozen for about 2-3 months. To freeze it correctly, let it cool completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag, remove as much air as possible, then place it in the freezer.

To thaw frozen Chilli Con Carne, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight or until fully thawed.

How To Reheat Chilli Con Carne 

Reheat Chilli Con Carne in the microwave for about 3-4 minutes, stirring halfway through, or in a saucepan on the stove over medium heat until it’s hot throughout.

Chilli Con Carne Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 260
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 7g
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated fat: 5g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Sugar: 5g

Try More Recipes:

• Chicken Chili
• Ina Garten Chili Con Carne
• Turkey Chili Recipe
• Vegetarian Chili Recipe
• Beef Chili Recipe
• Chili Mac Recipe
• Pumpkin Chili
• White Bean Chicken Chili
• Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili