Food
Everything you need to know to make the ultimate chilli con carne recipe
by Abigail Spooner
Packed with warming spices and made with mostly storecupboard ingredients, a classic chilli con carne is rich, smoky and best served with a colourful array of toppings.
What are the ingredients for chilli con carne?
The key ingredients of a chilli con carne are beef mince, tinned tomatoes, kidney beans and chilli powder. Other common spices include smoked paprika, ground cumin and cinnamon, while peppers, oregano and a little sugar enhance the flavour.
What is the secret to a good chilli con carne?
Brown the beef mince well, cook off the spices until fragrant and simmer the chilli low and slow until rich and thickened, but still saucy.
What should I serve with chilli con carne?
Spoon over fluffy basmati rice or pile onto jacket potatoes. Scoop up your chilli with tortilla chips for salty crunch.
What toppings can you add to chilli con carne to make it taste better?
A handful of grated cheddar cheese is a popular choice. Guacamole and soured cream are creamy, cooling additions, while coriander or sliced spring onions add freshness.
Ready to cook?
Now you have everything you need to know, try our ultimate chilli con carne or our ultimate veggie chilli for a meat-free version. Try rustling up our best-ever guacamole as one of your toppings.
