Chilli con carne, a classic Tex-Mex dish, is a hearty and flavorful mixture of tender beef, tomatoes, spices, and beans. With its rich, comforting taste and versatility, it's no wonder that chilli con carne has become a staple in households all around the world. The dish originated in the southern United States, where cowboys would slow-cook beef over an open fire for hours to make it tender. Over time, the dish evolved to include a mixture of ingredients, including tomatoes, spices, and beans. Today, chilli con carne is enjoyed in many variations and is a staple in Tex-Mex cuisine. The main ingredient, and chief source of protein, in chilli con carne is the beef. In the UK we generally use beef mince in our chilli, while others variations use chunks of beef instead. The tomatoes add a tangy flavour and help to create the hearty texture of the dish. They can be added in the form of chopped tomatoes (like in this recipe), fresh tomatoes, or tomato sauce. The combination of beef and tomatoes creates a rich, savoury base for the dish. In addition to beef and tomatoes, chilli con carne also contains a mixture of spices, including chilli powder, cumin, and paprika. I've added in some Worcestershire sauce of a bit of extra zing and the secret ingredient of cocoa powder for added richness. Finally, the beans. This recipe uses kidney beans for added protein, fiber, and extra flavour to the dish. Red kidney beans are the most common type of bean used in chilli con carne, but other types of beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, can also be used. Chilli con carne is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. It can be enjoyed on its own, served with rice, or used as a filling for tacos or burritos. It can also be topped with a variety of ingredients, including grated cheese, sour cream, and fresh coriander. Beef Mince. Go for 5% fat lean beef mince as this helps to keep the calories down and means you don't need to skim any fat off the top. Worcestershire Sauce. A wonderful addition to many stews, casseroles and chillis to add an extra layer of pizzaz. Cocoa Powder. Use unsweetened cocoa powder for added richness. If you only have hot chocolate power, that will work but will obviously be much sweeter. Kidney Beans. Make sure to wash and drain these before you add them to the chilli. Don't just open the tin and dunk them in. Chilli Flakes.If you like more heat, add more. You could also throw in some fresh chillis too. Smoked Paprika.This adds a wonderful (unsurprisingly) smoky taste to the dish. A way of pretending you're cooking this outside on a campfire... 5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star 5 from 1 review Our chilli con carne recipe is loaded with protein and delicious flavours with only 300 calories per serving which makes it really easy to include as part of a healthy eating plan. We've also added a couple of different ingredients into this easy chili recipe that give it a deliciously rich, spicy taste. This high protein, one-pot meal is easy to cook, it's freezable and it makes healthy cooking for the week a doddle. Like many chillies and stews, this dish actually tastes better the day after you've made it as this allows more of the flavour to develop and be absorbed by the mince. If you really want a delicious chilli, cook it the day before, let it cool and keep it in the fridge before heating it up the following day. BONUS:Download a free chilli recipe book with 5 of our most popular chilli recipes. UnitsScale 1 tsp olive oil 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 green pepper, chopped 20 garlic, minced 1 kg 5% fat beef mince 1 tbsp oregano 1 tsp smoked paprika 2 tsp chilli powder 1 tsp cumin 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder 1 dash of Worcestershire sauce 500 ml beef stock 250 g red kidney beans, drained and rinsed 400 g chopped tomatoes 10 g tomato puree To make your Chilli con carne, heat a large pan over a medium heat and add the olive oil, onion and pepper and cook until the onion starts to become translucent. Add the garlic and cook for a further 30 seconds. Throw the mince into the pan and break it up and cook until it’s been browned, this will take at least 5-10 minutes Add all of the remaining ingredients, reduce the heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes until the sauce has thickened. Serve with rice and a little sour cream if you find it’s a tad too spicy for you. To Store:This will store for a few days in an airtight container in the fridge. To Reheat: Like most stews and casseroles, this reheats well in the microwave or in a pot on the stove. To Freeze:This chilli freezes well and can be reheated at a later date. Can I use turkey mince if I don't like beef? Sure. This recipe works just as well with lean, turkey mince. If you don't like beef, no problem. What do you serve it with? This recipe goes best with rice and then as many garnishes as you like: avocado, sour cream, cheese, coriander, lime..... Can chilli con carne be made vegetarian or vegan? If you'd rather make a vegetarian or vegan chilli, try this recipe instead Lentil Chilli. In conclusion, chilli con carne is a classic Tex-Mex dish that is beloved for its rich, comforting taste and versatility. With its combination of high protein beef mince, tangy tomatoes, spices, and beans, it's no wonder that this dish has become a staple in households all around the world. Our 'Chilli Con Carne Recipe' is a classic dish that combines rich flavors with nutritional benefits, making it a perfect fit for those seeking high-protein meals. To explore a wider range of options that similarly prioritize protein content, delve into our 'High Protein Chilli Recipes.' These recipes offer a variety of chili dishes, each packed with protein to support your dietary goals. Whether you're a fan of the traditional Chilli Con Carne or looking to try new variations, our High Protein Chilli Recipes provide delicious and nutritious choices to enrich your meal plans.
Key Ingredients In Chilli Con Carne
Healthy Chilli Con Carne Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
Nutrition
Storage Tips
FAQs
Go forth and cook...
Scott Baptie
Scott is the owner and founder of Food For Fitness. He is a fat loss coach, speaker and fitness writer with a masters (MSc) degree in Applied Sports Nutrition.
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2 comments on “Healthy Chilli Con Carne Recipe”
I make this delicious chilli regularly. I double up the ingredients and make a big pot then freeze in portions. Highly recommend.
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Thank you so much for another great review Edna!
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