How to make easy Chilli Con Carne / Easy chilli con carne recipe

How to make easy Chilli Con Carne / Easy chilli con carne recipe is a easy Tex-Mex recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Cooking With Aunt Jay on YouTube.

Prep: 12 min | Cook: 53 min | Total: 1 hr 20 min

Cost: $9.84 total, $2.46 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (roughly chopped)
  • 1 large Red Bell Pepper (deseeded and diced)
  • 3 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (neutral oil, such as canola or sunflower)
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 500 grams Lean Minced Beef (about 1.1 lb, 90 % lean)
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Puree (generous tablespoons)
  • 400 grams Chopped Tomatoes (canned, drained)
  • 1 cube Beef Stock Cube
  • 300 milliliters Water (boiling)
  • 1 tin Kidney Beans (pre‑cooked, rinsed)
  • 2 squares Dark Chocolate (70 % cocoa or higher, roughly 20 g total)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare Vegetables

    Finely chop the medium onion, roughly chop the garlic cloves, and deseed then dice the large red bell pepper.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Heat Oil

    Add 3 Tbsp vegetable oil to the heavy‑base pan and heat over medium until shimmering.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Sauté Onions

    Add the chopped onion to the hot oil and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and lightly translucent.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Add Garlic and Red Pepper

    Stir in the garlic and diced red pepper, cooking for about 2 minutes while keeping the mixture moving.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Toast Spices

    Add 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp chili powder, and 1 tsp ground cumin. Stir continuously for 2 minutes until fragrant.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Brown the Minced Beef

    Increase heat to high and add the 500 g lean minced beef. Break it up with the spoon and cook until fully browned, about 7 minutes, ensuring no excess liquid remains.

    Time: PT7M

  7. Incorporate Tomato Puree

    Stir in 2 Tbsp tomato puree, mixing thoroughly to coat the meat.

    Time: PT1M

  8. Add Chopped Tomatoes

    Add the 400 g canned chopped tomatoes and stir to combine.

    Time: PT1M

  9. Add Stock and Boil

    Crumble in the beef stock cube, pour in 300 ml boiling water, and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

    Time: PT3M

  10. Simmer with Lid

    Reduce heat to medium, place the lid on, and let the chili simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Time: PT20M

  11. Add Kidney Beans

    Rinse the canned kidney beans, then stir them into the chili and cook for 1 minute.

    Time: PT1M

  12. Finish with Dark Chocolate

    Drop in two squares of dark chocolate, replace the lid, and let the chili cook another 10 minutes until the chocolate has fully melted and the sauce is glossy.

    Time: PT10M

  13. Final Seasoning and Serve

    Taste the chili, adjust salt, pepper, or extra chili powder as needed, then remove from heat and serve hot.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
25 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
8 g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free (if using gluten‑free stock cube), High‑Protein, Dairy‑Free (use dairy‑free dark chocolate)

Allergens: Beef, Milk (dark chocolate may contain dairy traces)

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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How to make easy Chilli Con Carne / Easy chilli con carne recipe

Recipe by Cooking With Aunt Jay

A hearty, spice‑laden chili con carne made with lean minced beef, kidney beans, and a secret touch of dark chocolate for depth. Perfect for a comforting dinner that can be scaled up for a crowd or made ahead for even richer flavor.

EasyTex-MexServes 4

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

Source Video
13m
Prep
48m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 11m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$9.84
Total cost
$2.46
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Sauté onions until soft and lightly colored.
  • Toast spices to release aroma.
  • Brown the minced beef without steaming.
  • Bring the mixture to a rolling boil after adding stock.
  • Melt dark chocolate fully for a glossy, rich sauce.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil and boiling water with care to avoid burns.
  • Ensure minced beef reaches an internal temperature of at least 71 °C (160 °F).
  • Use oven mitts when lifting the hot pan lid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Chili Con Carne in Tex‑Mex cuisine?

A

Chili Con Carne originated in the border regions of Texas and northern Mexico, where cattle ranchers combined beef, beans, and native chilies into a nourishing stew. It became a staple of Tex‑Mex comfort food, symbolizing the blend of Mexican spices with American beef traditions.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Chili Con Carne in Tex‑Mex cuisine?

A

In Texas, the classic version often includes beans and a tomato base, while some northern Mexican styles omit beans and focus on dried chilies and meat. Variations may also add chocolate, cinnamon, or coffee for depth, as Aunt Jay does in this recipe.

cultural
Q

What is the authentic traditional way Chili Con Carne is served in Texas?

A

Traditionally, Chili Con Carne is served hot in a bowl, topped with chopped onions, shredded cheese, and a side of cornbread or warm tortillas. It is often accompanied by a cold beer or a glass of iced tea.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Chili Con Carne traditionally associated with in Tex‑Mex culture?

A

Chili Con Carne is popular at family gatherings, tailgate parties, and community festivals. Its hearty nature makes it a go‑to dish for cold evenings, game‑day celebrations, and pot‑luck dinners.

cultural
Q

How does Chili Con Carne fit into the broader Tex‑Mex cuisine tradition?

A

Chili Con Carne embodies the Tex‑Mex love for bold, smoky flavors and simple, protein‑rich meals. It sits alongside tacos, fajitas, and enchiladas as a comforting, one‑pot dish that showcases the region’s spice palette.

cultural
Q

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

A

Traditional ingredients include beef, dried chilies or chili powder, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and sometimes beans. Acceptable substitutes are ground turkey for beef, canned beans for fresh, and smoked paprika in place of dried chilies for a milder heat.

cultural
Q

What other Tex‑Mex dishes pair well with Chili Con Carne?

A

Chili Con Carne pairs beautifully with cornbread, Mexican rice, grilled corn (elote), or a simple avocado salad. A side of warm tortillas lets you scoop up the rich sauce.

cultural
Q

What makes Chili Con Carne special or unique in Tex‑Mex cuisine?

A

The addition of dark chocolate and warm spices like cinnamon gives this Chili Con Carne a subtle depth that sets it apart from standard recipes, reflecting the Mexican tradition of using chocolate in savory dishes.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chili Con Carne at home?

A

Common mistakes include overcrowding the pan, which steams the meat instead of browning it, and adding the chocolate too early, which can cause a gritty texture. Also, under‑seasoning the sauce before the final simmer leads to a flat flavor.

technical
Q

Why does this Chili Con Carne recipe use dark chocolate instead of cocoa powder?

A

Dark chocolate melts into a smooth, glossy finish and adds a subtle bitterness that balances the heat, whereas cocoa powder can leave a dry, powdery texture. The chocolate also contributes a hint of richness without adding extra flour.

technical
Q

Can I make Chili Con Carne ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the chili improves after resting. Cool it to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cooking With Aunt Jay specialize in?

A

Cooking With Aunt Jay focuses on comforting, family‑friendly recipes that blend classic American comfort food with simple, approachable techniques. Aunt Jay often adds personal twists, like the chocolate in this chili, to make familiar dishes memorable.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cooking With Aunt Jay's approach to Tex‑Mex cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Aunt Jay emphasizes easy‑to‑follow steps, minimal equipment, and flavor‑boosting shortcuts such as using chocolate for depth. While many channels showcase elaborate plating, Aunt Jay keeps the focus on hearty, home‑cooked meals that anyone can replicate.

channel

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