If you have been on the lookout for a hearty, flavor-packed dish that warms the soul and satisfies a crowd, look no further than this Ultimate Chilli Con Carne Recipe. It’s a beautiful blend of succulent minced beef, vibrant spices, rich vegetables, and just the right kick of heat, slow-cooked to perfection. Every spoonful bursts with layers of smoky, sweet, and spicy notes, making it an unforgettable meal to share with family or friends. Whether you’re new to chilli or a seasoned fan, this recipe will quickly become your go-to comfort food.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large white pot filled with a thick, rich chili that has a deep red color with visible kidney beans and ground meat chunks. On the surface, there are two separate piles of toppings: one of bright orange shredded cheddar cheese on the right side and one of fresh green chopped cilantro on the left side toward the center. The pot is set on a wooden table with a dark blue cloth beneath the pot's left handle. In the background, there are two small white bowls, one filled with shredded cheddar cheese and the other with chopped cilantro, both slightly blurred. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the long list scare you off—each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the deep, complex flavors and satisfying textures that make this Ultimate Chilli Con Carne Recipe stand out. These pantry staples come together easily and create a dish with incredible depth and color that wows every time.

Neutral oil (or olive oil): This is your base for cooking, keeping things from sticking and helping the onions and garlic soften perfectly.
2 medium onions, peeled and chopped: They add sweetness and body to the sauce as they caramelize.
6 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped/crushed: Garlic gives an aromatic punch that melds beautifully with the spices.
500 g (1.1 lbs) minced beef: The delicious, protein-packed star that becomes tender and juicy as it cooks.
360 ml (1 1/2 cups) full-bodied red wine: Adds richness and slight acidity to balance the meatiness.
180 ml (3/4 cup) beef stock: Enhances the meaty flavor and gives moisture to simmer the ingredients.
4 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Infuses a tangy, savory depth with umami notes.
2 tbsp honey: Provides sweetness to mellow out the heat and acidity.
2 red bell peppers, chopped: Bring a pop of color and a mild sweetness that complements the spice.
4 x 400 ml tins chopped tomatoes: Create the hearty, chunky base of your rich sauce.
1 tsp smoked paprika: Offers a smoky warmth that is crucial for authentic chili flavor.
4 tsp cumin: Adds earthiness, balancing the sweet and hot elements.
2 tsp ground coriander: Lends a citrusy undertone to brighten the dish.
2 tsp hot chilli powder: The essential heat source — adjust depending on your spice tolerance.
3 tsp ground ginger: Gives a subtle zing that makes every bite a little more interesting.
2 tsp mixed herbs: Introduce savory herbal complexity for a rounded finish.
1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds mild heat and sharpness.
1 chopped fresh chilli: For that fresh, fiery bite — use more if you like it hotter.
3 tbsp tomato puree (paste): Thickens and intensifies the tomato base.
1 tbsp tomato ketchup: Adds sweetness and a hint of tang.
1 tsp chipotle paste: Imparts smoky heat that elevates the chili’s character.
2 chunks dark chocolate (80 or 90% cocoa): Yes, chocolate! It deepens the flavor with subtle bitterness and richness.
2 x 400g cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed: These hearty beans add texture and soak up the chili spices.
1 x 420g can mixed beans, drained and rinsed: Beans galore — they bulk up the dish and provide variety.
Small bunch chopped fresh coriander (cilantro): Freshness and bright herbal notes to finish the chili.
Cooked rice: Perfect for serving as a comforting base.
Fresh coriander (cilantro), sour cream, chopped fresh chillies: Tasty toppings that can be customized to your liking.

How to Make Ultimate Chilli Con Carne Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

Start by heating your neutral oil in a very large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and cook them for about 5 to 6 minutes until they become soft and translucent. This step is essential as it forms the sweet, flavorful foundation for the chili. Toss in the garlic after the onions soften and cook for an additional minute to release their irresistible aroma.

Step 2: Brown the Minced Beef

Next, add the minced beef to the pan. Use your wooden spoon to break up any large chunks and cook it until it’s completely browned. This step seals in the beef’s flavor and adds that satisfying meaty texture that’s central to the Ultimate Chilli Con Carne Recipe.

Step 3: Add Wine and Reduce

Pour in the full-bodied red wine and bring it to a bubble, letting it simmer for about 3 minutes. This reduces the alcohol content and concentrates the wine’s rich flavors, enhancing the overall depth of the dish.

Step 4: Stir in Stock, Worcestershire Sauce, and Honey

In a jug, combine your beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, and honey. Pour this mixture into the pan and stir well to combine. The Worcestershire sauce adds savory complexity while the honey balances the heat and acidity.

Step 5: Introduce Peppers and Tomatoes

Add the chopped red bell peppers and cook them for another minute to start releasing their sweetness. Then stir in the tins of chopped tomatoes to form the hearty base of your chili sauce that’s both vibrant and comforting.

Step 6: Blend in Spices and Fresh Chilli

Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, cumin, ground coriander, hot chilli powder, ground ginger, mixed herbs, salt, black pepper, and your chopped fresh chilli. Stir everything together and cook for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the spices to bloom and release their flavors fully.

Step 7: Add Tomato Pastes and Chocolate

Now stir in the tomato puree, ketchup, chipotle paste, and the chunks of dark chocolate. The chocolate adds a surprising depth and richness that rounds out the chili perfectly. Bring this mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat and allow it to gently cook for one hour. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom.

Step 8: Incorporate Beans and Continue Simmering

After an hour, it’s time to add the kidney beans and mixed beans, stirring them evenly into the chili. Let everything continue to simmer for another 20 to 30 minutes, giving all those flavors time to meld beautifully. This step also gives you the perfect chance to cook your rice if you’re serving the dish traditionally.

Step 9: Finish with Fresh Coriander

Just before serving, stir through the chopped fresh coriander for a fresh, bright finish that cuts through the richness and adds that classic chili touch.

How to Serve Ultimate Chilli Con Carne Recipe

A close-up of a silver spoon with a light wood handle holding thick, chunky dark red chili with visible beans and meat, lifted above a white pot filled with the same chili. Inside the pot, three layers are visible: dark red chili with a hearty, dense texture covering most of the surface, bright orange shredded cheese gathered in a small pile on one side, and finely chopped green herbs sprinkled next to the cheese. The pot sits on a white marbled surface with two blurred white bowls in the background, one with more shredded cheese and the other with green herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This chili becomes truly special with a few simple garnishes. A dollop of cool sour cream adds creaminess and tempers the heat, while extra fresh coriander and chopped chillies bring bursts of freshness and heat. These toppings let everyone customize their bowl to their own tastes and heighten the overall eating experience.

Side Dishes

The classic choice to serve alongside this Ultimate Chilli Con Carne Recipe is fluffy steamed rice, which helps soak up the sauce beautifully. If you want to switch things up, crispy tortilla chips or warm crusty bread also work wonderfully, offering a crunchy contrast to the silky chili below.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or more casual gathering, consider serving the chili as a topping for baked potatoes or loaded nachos. You can also use it to stuff bell peppers or even spoon it over a baked sweet potato for a healthy twist. The versatility of this recipe means you can get creative and impress your guests every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Ultimate Chilli Con Carne Recipe actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it fully before refrigerating to keep the texture just right.

Freezing

This chili freezes beautifully and is perfect for batch cooking. Portion the chili into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. It will keep well for up to 3 months, providing convenient, ready-to-go meals during busy weeks.

Reheating

When reheating, thaw it overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm gently in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until piping hot throughout. You can add a splash of water or stock if it thickens too much. This method keeps the chili fresh and delicious just like when it was first made.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the minced beef with plant-based mince or extra beans and lentils. Use vegetable stock instead of beef stock and adjust seasonings to taste. The spices and vegetables will still deliver a rich, satisfying flavor.

How spicy is this Ultimate Chilli Con Carne Recipe?

The recipe offers a moderate level of heat with hot chilli powder and fresh chillies, but you can easily dial it up or down. Adding more fresh chilli or choosing a hotter variety will intensify the spice, while reducing or omitting the chilli will create a milder dish.

What type of red wine should I use?

A full-bodied red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Shiraz works best. Choose a wine you enjoy drinking, as it will enhance the richness and flavor of the chili.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance for a party?

Yes! This chili is fantastic for making ahead. Prepare it a day before, store it in the fridge, and gently reheat before serving. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier for your guests.

What are some good alternatives to kidney and mixed beans?

If you prefer, you can use black beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas. Each brings a slightly different texture and flavor, so feel free to experiment with your favorites for the Ultimate Chilli Con Carne Recipe.

Final Thoughts

There really is nothing quite as comforting and satisfying as this Ultimate Chilli Con Carne Recipe. It’s a dish that invites you to slow down, savor every bite, and share good times around the table. I hope you enjoy making it as much as you enjoy eating it — trust me, once you’ve tried this recipe, it will be a firm favorite in your kitchen for years to come.