Chilli Con Carne Recipe - Easy Mexican favourite - Recipes by Warren Nash

Chilli Con Carne Recipe - Easy Mexican favourite - Recipes by Warren Nash is a medium Mexican-American recipe that serves 4. 425 calories per serving. Recipe by Warren Nash on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min

Cost: $8.30 total, $2.08 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 medium Onion (Ends trimmed, halved, peeled and finely chopped)
  • 2 pieces Garlic Cloves (Peeled and finely chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (For sautéing)
  • 1 teaspoon Chilli Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • 500 grams Minced Beef (80% lean, preferably fresh)
  • 400 grams Chopped Tomatoes (Canned, undrained)
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Puree
  • 1 tablespoon Dried Oregano
  • 1 piece Beef Stock Cube (Crumbled into the pot)
  • 250 ml Hot Water (From kettle, enough to cover ingredients)
  • 400 grams Kidney Beans (Canned, drained and rinsed)

Instructions

  1. Prepare aromatics

    Trim, halve, peel and finely chop the onion. Peel and finely chop the garlic cloves. Set aside.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Sauté onion and garlic

    Heat the oil in the large casserole dish over medium‑high heat. Add the onion and garlic and fry, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  3. Toast spices

    Stir in the chilli powder, cumin and cinnamon. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to release their aromas.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  4. Brown the beef

    Add the minced beef to the pot. Break it up with the spoon and fry, stirring continuously, for about 7 minutes until the meat is fully browned and no pink remains.

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  5. Add tomatoes and seasonings

    Pour in the chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, dried oregano, crumbled beef stock cube and the hot water. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Simmer with lid on

    Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with the lid and let it simmer for 20 minutes.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: Low

  7. Add kidney beans and finish simmering

    Remove the lid, add the drained and rinsed kidney beans, stir, and continue to simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Low

  8. Rest before serving

    Give the chili a final stir, replace the lid, remove the pot from heat and let it rest for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld.

    Time: PT15M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
425
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
20 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
5 g

Dietary info: High‑Protein, Gluten‑Free (use gluten‑free stock), Dairy‑Free (omit cheese topping)

Allergens: Gluten (beef stock cube), Dairy (if cheese is added as a topping)

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Chilli Con Carne Recipe - Easy Mexican favourite - Recipes by Warren Nash

Recipe by Warren Nash

A hearty, comforting beef chilli con carne made from scratch. Perfect for a family dinner, this recipe combines minced beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, and warm spices, simmered to develop deep flavor and served with rice or a baked potato.

MediumMexican-AmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
22m
Prep
43m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 15m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$8.30
Total cost
$2.08
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Brown the minced beef until fully cooked and no pink remains.
  • Simmer the chili with the lid on for 20 minutes to develop deep flavor.
  • Rest the chili for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause burns; handle the pan carefully.
  • Hot water from the kettle may scald; pour slowly.
  • Ensure minced beef reaches an internal temperature of 71 °C (160 °F).

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Beef Chilli Con Carne in Mexican‑American cuisine?

A

Beef Chilli Con Carne originated in the American Southwest, blending Mexican chilies with American beef. It became a staple of Tex‑Mex cooking, symbolizing the fusion of Mexican spice traditions with the hearty meat dishes favored by American ranchers.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Beef Chilli Con Carne in Texas versus other parts of the United States?

A

In Texas, the chili often omits beans and focuses on beef, chilies, and spices, while many other U.S. regions add kidney beans, tomatoes, and a sweeter spice blend. Some versions also incorporate chocolate or coffee for depth.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Beef Chilli Con Carne traditionally associated with in Mexican‑American culture?

A

Chilli is a popular dish for casual gatherings, game‑day parties, and outdoor barbecues. It’s also served at family reunions and holiday pot‑luck meals because it can be made in large batches and kept warm for hours.

cultural
Q

How does Beef Chilli Con Carne fit into the broader Mexican‑American cuisine tradition?

A

The dish showcases the hallmark Mexican‑American flavor profile—smoky chilies, cumin, and oregano—combined with American comfort‑food elements like ground beef and beans, making it a bridge between both culinary heritages.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Beef Chilli Con Carne versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include minced beef, dried chilies or chilli powder, cumin, oregano, tomatoes, and beef broth. Acceptable substitutes are ground turkey for a leaner option, fresh chilies instead of powder, and vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian base.

cultural
Q

What other Mexican‑American dishes pair well with Beef Chilli Con Carne?

A

Serve the chilli alongside Mexican rice, warm corn tortillas, or a baked jacket potato. A side of guacamole, sour cream, and shredded cheese also complements the flavors beautifully.

cultural
Q

How has Beef Chilli Con Carne evolved over time in Tex‑Mex cuisine?

A

Originally a bean‑less, meat‑centric stew, modern versions often include beans, tomatoes, and a wider spice palette. Contemporary chefs also experiment with smoked paprika, chipotle peppers, and even dark chocolate to add complexity.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Beef Chilli Con Carne?

A

Common errors include over‑crowding the pan which prevents browning, adding beans too early which can turn them mushy, and not allowing enough simmer time for flavors to meld. Also, avoid burning the garlic by keeping the heat moderate.

technical
Q

How do I know when Beef Chilli Con Carne is done cooking?

A

The beef should be fully browned with no pink, the sauce should be thick but still saucy, and the beans should be heated through. Taste for seasoning; the chili should have a balanced heat and depth of flavor.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Warren Nash specialize in?

A

Warren Nash’s YouTube channel focuses on straightforward, home‑cooked comfort meals with clear step‑by‑step instructions. He emphasizes practical techniques, budget‑friendly ingredients, and dishes that suit everyday family dining.

channel

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