Hairy Bikers Chilli Con Carne Recipe

This rich, spicy Hairy Bikers Chilli Con Carne Recipe is made with lean beef mince, kidney beans, and warming spices, and is ready in 1 hour and 15 minutes. The dark, thick sauce bubbles away until the beef becomes beautifully tender and absorbs every ounce of flavour. I find making this on a Sunday afternoon incredibly satisfying.

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Why This Classic Works

I used to rush my chilli, browning the meat and immediately dumping in the tomatoes. I quickly learned that letting the spices toast with the beef first makes a massive difference.

The Hairy Bikers approach adds a depth of flavour that basic recipes often miss. Allowing the sauce to simmer gently creates that proper thick texture you want in a good chilli.

Hairy Bikers Chilli Con Carne Recipe Ingredients

• 500g lean beef mince
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 red pepper, diced
• 1 tbsp hot chilli powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tbsp plain flour
• 400g tin chopped tomatoes
• 300ml beef stock
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 400g tin red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tbsp sunflower oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

How To Make Hairy Bikers Chilli Con Carne Recipe

1. Fry the aromatics: Heat the oil in a large pan over a medium heat and gently fry the onions, garlic, and red pepper for 8 to 10 minutes until soft.
2. Brown the beef: Turn up the heat, add the beef mince, and cook for 5 minutes until completely browned, breaking up any lumps with a wooden spoon.
3. Add the spices: Stir in the chilli powder, cumin, and coriander, cooking for 2 minutes to release their natural oils.
4. Thicken the base: Sprinkle the plain flour over the meat mixture and stir well to coat everything, cooking for another minute.
5. Simmer the chilli: Pour in the stock, chopped tomatoes, and tomato purée, season well, and bring to a simmer. Turn the heat down low, cover loosely, and cook for 45 minutes.
6. Add the beans: Stir in the kidney beans and cook for a final 10 minutes until the sauce is thick and rich.

Recipe Tips

• Toast the spices: Giving the spices a few minutes in the hot pan unlocks a much deeper, smokier flavour profile.
• Do not rush the simmer: The longer cooking time allows the harsh acidity of the tomatoes to mellow into a rich, rounded sauce.
• Use good quality beef: Choosing a mince with around 5 to 10 percent fat strikes the right balance between flavour and a non-greasy finish.

What To Serve With Chilli Con Carne

Fluffy white rice and a dollop of soured cream are classic choices that cool down the heat. I also like to provide crispy tortilla chips and some grated cheddar cheese for added texture.

How To Store

Keep leftover chilli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, and the flavour often improves after a day in the cold.

FAQs

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily swap the beef mince for a meat-free alternative or use a mix of lentils and extra beans. Add them slightly later in the cooking process.

How can I make it spicier?

If you prefer a hotter chilli, add fresh chopped chillies along with the onions, or increase the hot chilli powder by a teaspoon.

Why did my chilli turn out watery?

A watery chilli usually means it has not simmered for long enough without a lid. Cook it uncovered for the last 15 minutes to reduce the liquid.

Nutrition

• Calories: 385 kcal
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 420mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 32g
• Protein: 30g

Try More Recipes:

• Hairy Bikers Cullen Skink Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Christmas Pudding Vodka Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Halloumi Melon Salad Recipe